Bullets produce scintillating display to win Zonal League

16th April 2018

Bowen Bullets starting line-up

The B Div Boys from Bowen Secondary created history in winning the school's first ever football title this afternoon at the Woodlands Stadium, after edging Marsiling Secondary School 2-1 with a sparkling performance of flair and disciplined football.

Bullets Muhd Tahalif taking a penaltykick

The newly-crowned North Zone Zonal League Champions had to come back from a goal down and a missed penalty in the first half to overcome Marsiling.

Before the Bullets had settled into the game, a quick Marsiling break in only the 2nd minute of the game saw the Bowen defence leaving Marsiling right winger free to slot the ball into goal unchallenged.

Bullets left midfielder Nitin attempting to outfox his marker

But as soon as the Bullets decided to get serious, they dominated possession with quick touches and clever off-the-ball running. They earned a penalty in the 8th minute after Bullets striker, Muhd Hisam was fouled in the penalty box after receiving the ball from team mate Muhd Zulhilmi. However, Bowen's most experienced player Muhd Tahalif's spot kick was saved by the Marsiling goalkeeper.

Both Tahalif and Hisam were guilty of missing sitters before the break, hitting the bar, both posts and then missing the target altogether.

Bullets striker Muhd Hisam about to socre Bowen's winning goal

Marsiling finally caved in to the incessant pressure in the 23rd minute when Hisam knocked the ball into an empty net from close range after a tense scuffle in the penalty box.

The Bullets looked poised to get a likely winner in the 2nd half, displaying incisive passing and movement to break up the Marsiling defence. After a few misses, substitute Muhd Fareez finally provided the extra punch that made the difference in the 70th minute. Coming on for the the tiring Zulhilimi, Fareez produced a  slide-rule pass that found Hisam behind both Marsiling central defenders. The lively striker slotted the ball into goal with aplomb and wheeled away to celebrate what looked like the winning goal.

Bullets captain Muhd Yusri consoling a Marsiling player

At the final whistle, the collective sigh of relief and release of emotion was evident from the Bowen bench as the squad rushed in to celebrate Bowen's maiden football title.

North Zone Zonal League Champions 2018