Macarthur FC have snapped their two-game losing streak, coming from behind to beat Western United 2-1 in torrential rain at Campbelltown on Saturday.
While Sydney’s big wet forced the postponement of the Big Blue, Campbelltown’s playing surface held up well ensuring both sides were able to produce some excellent football.
United took an early lead through young gun Dylan Pierias but the Bulls struck twice inside the last 10 minutes of the first half to gain the initiative.
Matt Derbyshire nodded the home side level 10 minutes before the break to move into outright second in the race for the Golden Boot before Markel Susaeta’s header in first-half stoppage-time proved the difference.
It was an important win for Ante Milicic’s side, who moved up to third spot on the ladder after their first win since beating Sydney FC last month.
Despite having big guns Besart Berisha and Alessandro Diamanti back in their starting side, United were unable to make the most of their strong start to the contest.
Mark Rudan’s troops remain in eighth spot on the table, four points outside the top six.
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Key moments
Pierias’ picture-perfect strike
Even in the slippery conditions both sides showed great intent to attack and it was the visitors that got the early goal through Pierias inside eight minutes.
The returning Diamanti was the architect, with his searching long ball finding Pierias on the right putting him one-on-one with his defender.
And the young winger was too quick for Tommy Oar, cutting inside onto his left foot and curling a classy shot past a despairing Adam Federici.
Derbyshire responds for the Bulls
Macarthur were enjoying good spells of pressure without really testing United keeper Ryan Scott but that changed 10 minutes before the break.
Ivan Franjic did well to work some space on the right before curling in a dangerous cross.
And Derbyshire managed to evade his marker to divert an excellent header into the net for his eighth goal of the campaign.
Susaeta heads Macarthur in front
The Bulls had all the momentum leading into half-time and they managed to take the lead in first-half stoppage-time.
Tommy Oar deserved much of the credit, with his teasing cross from the left just begging for a teammate to get on the end of it.
Spanish playmaker Susaeta obliged, squeezing between a couple of defenders to get his head to the ball and plant it past Scott.
Federici saves the Bulls
The visitors were desperate to try and find an equaliser and substitute Lachie Wales almost delivered one midway through the second half.
Diamanti was again involved, producing a classy no-look pass to find Wales on the right.
The speedy attacker fired off a venomous strike that was destined for the back of the net but Federici dove at full-stretch to parry the ball away to safety.
Next matches
Wellington Phoenix v Macarthur FC
Sunday, March 28, 2021
WIN Stadium
Kick-off: 4.05pm (AEDT)
Match Centre
Brisbane Roar v Western United FC
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Moreton Daily Stadium
Kick-off: 5.05pm (AEDT)
Match Centre
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