Sport
8 June, 2026
Bulls storm back to defeat Stratford
THE Mareeba Bulls continued their climb up the FQPL Far North ladder with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Stratford United at Borzi Park on Sunday.
Fresh from an impressive performance against Innisfail the previous week, the Bulls entered the contest looking to build momentum. However, it was Stratford who settled into the match more quickly and dictated the early exchanges.
The visitors were rewarded in the 12th minute when Bryce Childers latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball and calmly slotted the ball home from close range to give Stratford a 1-0 advantage.
The remainder of the first half was a fiercely contested affair with both sides battling hard for possession. While scoring opportunities were limited, the intensity never dropped as tackles flew in across the park. At times, frustrations grew among players and supporters alike as several strong challenges went unpunished by the referee.
Despite their efforts, the Bulls headed into the halftime break trailing 1-0 and searching for answers. Whatever was said in the dressing room by coach Victor Madrid had the desired effect.
The home side emerged with renewed energy and purpose, immediately lifting the tempo and beginning to play the brand of football Madrid has been developing throughout the season. The change in intensity soon translated onto the scoreboard.
The equaliser arrived in the 58th minute when Liam Pozzebon converted from the penalty spot following a contentious decision in the box. With confidence growing, the Bulls continued to press forward and found the winner ten minutes later when Wayne Srhoj caught Stratford goalkeeper Josh Harris off guard with a floated effort that drifted into the net to put Mareeba ahead 2-1.
Stratford refused to surrender and pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but the Bulls defence stood firm to secure all three points.
Coach Victor Madrid praised his side’s response after halftime.
“It was a slow first half and I couldn’t wait to get the boys in the dressing room at half time,” Madrid said.
“We were 1-0 down and I knew we could play better, and they did. They lifted the intensity and it paid off.
“Our style of play is starting to come through. Against Marlin Coast Rangers we saw what we could do, and last week against Innisfail it all seemed to fall into place. Our second half was much better, and the boys will now gain confidence and play as I know they can.”
The Bulls play away this weekend to the Redlynch Strikers hoping to continue their form, with the match at Calanna Park kicking off at 7pm.
