Bulleen Lion’s coach Bobby McGuinness has shrouded his team in praise after a crushing 5-0 victory over Cairnlea FC on Monday night.
McGuinness’ side bounced back strong after a week to forget which saw them surrender top spot on the WPL table following a defeat to Casey Comets last Friday.
Emily Coppock was the star of the show with a first half hat-trick, as the Scotsman celebrated the strikers efforts at full-time.
“Em [Coppock’s] been terrific up there for us,” McGuinnes chimed.
“I thought tonight, her touch was excellent, she bought people into the game and she finished her goals really well, delighted.
“The strength we have when Em is playing is we’ve got to play through her. If we don’t play through her, you’re not going to get her over the top chasing, it’s not Em’s game.”
Though heralding Coppock, McGuinness was quick to acknowledge the performance of his whole squad as Cairnlea failed to contain a determined Bulleen outfit.
“You couldn’t single anyone out. I thought it was a really good performance tonight and I thought we played great,” the coach said.
“I thought our tempo was terrific and some of our interplay in the first half was great, the final ball just got cut out or hit somebody but I just thought the intent was excellent tonight.”
Eleni Fakos was also a standout on the night in an energetic and dominate display off the right wing in Lia Privitelli’s absence.
McGuinness revealed at full-time that the competitions third leading goal scorer will be unavailable for up to five weeks, suffering from ligament damage in her toe, inflicted during the contest at Comets Stadium.
Unfortunately for McGuinness, Privitelli’s omission won’t be the only notable absentee for Bulleen with host of integral players set to commence pre-season duties with Melbourne Victory.
Defender Alex Natoli made her return on Monday night but will depart for Victory in only a few short weeks, with Cindy Lay and the currently injured Jessica Tay also expected to resume their W-League services.
If she’s able to recover from injury successfully, McGuinness revealed Privitelli may be set for a call up, albeit if she can impress coach Joe Montemurro who was in the stand on the night.
“Jess Tay is out. Alex [Natoli] came back, sat on the bench and came on but we’ll lose her again next week when W-League starts.”
“At the minute the only definite [player leaving] is Alex,” McGuinness said.
“[Montemurro’s] still looking at Cindy, he will look at Jess Tay and Lia [Privitelli] again when they are back and fit, it’s just cutting it a bit fine now is all for them.”
Aside from issues regarding personnel, Bulleen will be looking to replicate a similar performance against Box Hill United on Friday.
United currently sit sixth on the table as a result of an inconsistent campaign, only managing a goalless draw against cellar dwellers Monbulk Ranges on the weekend.