Eagles drop point against Bulli

Illawarra Premier League leaders Albion Park White Eagles had all sorts of trouble against a ten man Bulli side before salvaging a point in a 1-1 draw to hold their top spot on the competition ladder.

Bulli had shocked the home side when evergreen Rod Paterson had given the visitors the lead after ten minutes.

On the half hour mark, Bulli really had their backs to the wall when their recent signing Adrian Lamacchia was sent from the field for allegedly directing offensive language to an opponent.

This was a setback that Bulli could have done without and if he is suspended for any great length of time this could have a severe impact on Bulli’s efforts to stay away from the drop zone.

They did manage to hold their lead until half time.

However, the teams were back on level terms ten minutes into the second period when Chris Smith scored with a neat finish.

After that the game became a bit of an arm wrestle and APWE managed to miss a number of handy chances to score as their numbers superiority began to tell.

They couldn’t find the extra goal and it was Bulli who had a fantastic opportunity to snatch all three points but was denied in the last minute when Mitchell Blowes in the Park goal pulled off a fantastic save.

Second placed Dandaloo also missed an opportunity to go to the top of the table when they could only take a point from their travels to South Coast United.

Despite dominating for long periods Dandy had to rely on an own goal to get their noses in front ten minutes after the interval.

United have scored more than their share of goals this season and this time two defenders got touches on the ball before the ball found it’s way into the net.

South Coast were able to put this setback behind them and fought their way back into the game.

They got a deserved equaliser with 15 minutes to go when Nathan Minutillo scored after good lead up work. Neither side could find the winner and the game ended 1-1, which was a fair result.

Cringila Lions scored a valuable away win when they beat Dapto 2-1 at the Showground.

This was by no means a clear cut victory and Crini had to work really hard for the three points.

The Lions got off to a perfect start with Blake Coates scoring after five minutes.

The game then ebbed and flowed with no addition to the score in the opening half.

Twenty minutes after the restart it was game on when Frank Barilla scored at the wrong end of the field with an own goal, to lock the two sides up at 1-1.

Both sides then had chances to win the game and it was Cringila who were able to grab the initiative in the last ten minutes.

Tony Dulevski scored the vital goal with six minutes left and the win to secure the three points.

Dapto were then reduced to ten men with the sending off of Chad Bishop for an alleged dangerous tackle.

The win has taken Cringila to 34 points just three points behind league leaders APWE on 37pts.

These two teams clash in the opening game of Round 18 on Friday night in what should be an absorbing encounter.