Sport
15 June, 2026
Bulls left frustrated after late Strikers equaliser
THE Mareeba Bulls were forced to settle for a share of the points after conceding a late goal in a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Redlynch Strikers in Cairns on Saturday night.
The Bulls made a bright start and looked dangerous from the opening whistle, taking control of possession and applying early pressure on the home side. Their positive approach was rewarded in the 18th minute when Keanu Tatti found the back of the net to give Mareeba a deserved 1-0 lead.
The visitors continued to dictate large periods of the contest and appeared to have the match under control. However, Redlynch capitalised on one of their opportunities in the 33rd minute when Lachlan Kick-Peters levelled the scores, ensuring the teams went into the halftime break locked at 1-1.
Mareeba emerged from the sheds with renewed intensity and dominated much of the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Leon Peressini unleashed a thunderous strike that flew past the goalkeeper to restore the Bulls’ advantage.
With the clock winding down, the Bulls looked set to claim all three points and secure a valuable result on the road. But just when victory appeared within reach, Redlynch found a late response, scoring in the 88th minute to snatch a point and leave the visitors disappointed.
Despite the late setback, Bulls coach Victor Madrid was pleased with his side’s overall performance.
“There have been games where I come off and I’m fuming, but tonight it was not the case,” Madrid said.
“We’re disappointed we didn’t win but not disappointed in how we played. We kept the ball and moved it around, especially in the second half. The possession stats would be incredible.”
Madrid admitted his side’s inability to convert more of their chances proved costly.
“Unfortunately for us they take one chance and they score – it’s frustrating because we should be winning these games. The final third stumped us and we tried to force the issue too much, but it is what it is,” he said.
Mareeba United play away to the Southside Comets this Sunday at Walker Road, with an early kick off time of 5pm.
