A scorpion assist, a long-range lobbed goal, a frenetic goal-mouth scramble, two centre backs scoring and points shared between two evenly-matched teams: what more could you ask for in a game of football?
A scorpion assist, a long-range lobbed goal, a frenetic goal-mouth scramble, two centre backs scoring and points shared between two evenly-matched teams: what more could you ask for in a game of football?
It’s exactly what Macarthur FC and Western Sydney Wanderers served up in an end-to-end 2-2 draw at Campbelltown Stadium played with intensity and filled with drama.
It’s a fixture set to live long in the memory of fans from both sides for the years to come, and to watch his side come from behind twice in the tightly-contested draw, Wanderers boss Carl Robinson had the best seat in the house.
“It was a great advert, wasn’t it?” Robinson told FOX Sports post-match.
“I probably didn’t want it to end – I’m sure Ante (Milicic) felt the same.
“I wanted a winner in the game, but obviously it wasn’t meant to be.”
The Wanderers earned a point in the compelling contest thanks to two goals of the highest order.
Midfielder Graham Dorrans was first up for Robinson’s side, ending a magnificent solo run from defence with a chip from distance which lobbed Macarthur ‘keeper Adam Federici, who was desperately retreating after being caught near the halfway line when Dorrans instigated the turnover.
“It’s a highlight reel goal isn’t it?” Robinson said.
“He wins the ball – he’s a midfield player, you’ve got to win your duels and tackles – and then create as well when you have the ball.
“He won the ball, he thought about doing it, we had identified [Federici] – who is a wonderful goalkeeper – is off his line quite regularly, he thought about doing it, he took another touch, he beat another man and then lobbed him… you’ll never get bored of seeing that goal.”
It was going to take something special to knock Dorrans’ stunning solo strike off its perch as the highlight of the game.
Keanu Baccus proved he was up to the challenge. The Wanderers midfielder produced a ridiculous scorpion kick assist from James Troisi’s corner which found Simon Cox unmarked at the back post to head home, drawing the Red and Black level once more after Aleksandar Šušnjar put the Bulls ahead 2-1.
But between the three second-half goals – each scored in some style – came a moment of insanity in Macarthur’s defensive box which produced three shots repelled respectively by Federici, the back of a Wanderers attacker, and the crossbar.
Robinson says the frantic passage of play summed up the engaging contest.
“I think the example of the transition we had where Adam made a great save, Bruce [Kamau] is about to go in and score, [Tate Russell] hits the crossbar – I think it’s a penalty, because [Kamau] gets pushed into the net – that probably sums up the game in a nutshell doesn’t it?”
As the dust settles on the mayhem in Campbelltown, both sides emerge with a well-earned point as an eye-catching Matchweek 7 rolls on.
The Wanderers take their current unbeaten run to five games, while Macarthur travel to face Brisbane Roar, who are high-flying after thrashing Melbourne Victory 5-2 at Dolphin Stadium earlier on Saturday afternoon.
Get your tickets to the Wanderers next home match this Wednesday night against Melbourne Victory.
