Bulli can only hit and hope in IPL climax
August 30, 2007
Section: Sport
ILLAWARRA PREMIER LEAGUE DAVID NAYLOR
BULLI kept their faint IPL championship hopes alive with a 4-nil win over relegation-bound Kemblawarra on Saturday.
The Ball’s Park side had the luxury of missing two penalties, but scored a 4-nil win nonetheless.
Matthew Bailey opened the scoring for Bulli before being denied a double by an outstanding double-save from Kemblawarra ’keeper Dean Bradley.
Alan Lo Proto scored a few minutes later to give the visitors a 2-nil lead at the break.
In the second half, substitute Shane McGirr scored before Michael Clare finished the scoring with 20 minutes to play.
It was a welcome return to the park for Clare, who had been given a doctor’s clearance for his injured back during the week.
Another second-half substitute, Rodney Patterson missed an opportunity to make it 5-nil when Bradley made another impressive save from the penalty spot.
The win sees Bulli four points adrift of competition leaders Dandaloo, who had to rely on an Ilija Prenzoski equaliser deep into stoppage time to secure a share of the points against Albion Park.
The ever-improving White Eagles led for 85 minutes thanks to a double from Osagie Ederaro.
With the league leaders hosting Kemblawarra on Saturday it looks like a hat-trick of titles for Dandaloo.
Eleventh-placed Warilla Wanderers are back in top eight reckoning after a surprise 3-1 win over Cringila Lions at Crehan Park.
Dapto continued their horror slide, going down 2-1 to South Coast United at Kanahooka Lodge.
The Kanahooka Lodge outfit could surrender a top-three position for the finals series with Albion Park, South Coast and Port Kembla all within three points.
The Black and Whites scored a hard-fought 2-1 win over Picton Rangers at Weatherall Park.
At Macedonia Park, Wollongong United’s defence held firm against a disappointing Tarrawanna side for a 1-nil win. Oliver Vrtkovski scored the winner in the 80th minute.
The win brings the Macedonia Park outfit to within two points of Picton for the final playoff spot.
At the other end of the table, Kiama will need a minor miracle to avoid relegation after a 3-1 loss to Coniston Lions.
The Lions had to do it the hard way, when they went behind to a Tom Mayes goal midway through the first half and then had Ile Kostovski sent off for a double yellow prior to half time. A stirring second half from Cono was rewarded with three goals, the first from an own goal before further strikes by Devon Bonne and Christian Plakias.