Waiting until winter for consecutive league wins was not in the plans when Bulleen Lions set the pre-season target of a top-two finish in Women’s Premier League.
The long wait for a winning streak finally ended in their 10th game of the season on Monday night when the Lions won 3-1 against Sandringham at the Veneto Club.
Now facing arguably the toughest test of the season – Boroondara Eagles away at Knox – Bulleen has some momentum building as they try to break into the top five.
Isabella Scott was Bulleen’s stand-out on Monday. The left back spent a lot of time raiding the forward half to win a penalty and set up the Lions’ third goal.
Scott at left back and Alex Natoli playing on the right side of defence have been two drivers in turning Bulleen’s form around.
“We try to get as wide and as high as we can up the pitch,” Scott said.
“We thought we could exploit some weaknesses with that plan.”
Sandringham pegged a goal back after falling 3-0 down, meaning Bulleen has kept only three clean sheets in the WPL this season.
“There were a couple of close calls that woke us up,” Scott admitted.
“We had to mark up a bit tighter and switch on defensively.
“I think we could play at a higher intensity. When we scored a couple of goals we maybe relaxed a bit and dropped off. We need to retain high intensity and be competitive throughout.”
Bulleen coach Bobby McGuinness is ticking off the weeks waiting for Racheal Quigley, Jess Tay and Liana Iaconis to be ready for a return from injury. Ashleigh Beagley’s comeback from a long-term injury has shown promising signs as the winger got increased minutes off the bench.
Scott said the rapport among the Bulleen group had helped the side through its inconsistent form.
“At times it was a bit worrying and the confidence dropped a bit.
“We came together and talked as a group, focused on improving and things have started to change.
“We are a young side but I don’t think it’s really an issue. We have good morale. Our captain Tessa [Sernio] has good voice and so does [Emily Dolzan] so I don’t think we’re lacking leadership.”
Bulleen face off against Boroondara Eagles at Knox Regional Football Centre at 6pm on Sunday.
Photo: Matt Johnson