Sport
20 April, 2026
Last-minute goal leads to draw
THE Mareeba Bulls were left to rue missed opportunities after a frustrating 1-1 draw with the Redlynch Strikers in their Sunday home fixture – a result that denied the hosts what many expected to be a straightforward three points.
Played in front of a modest crowd, the match shaped as a key opportunity for the Bulls to open their account for the season against a Strikers side that had managed just one point from their opening four games. However, despite controlling large portions of the contest, Mareeba were unable to capitalise when it mattered most.
The Bulls entered the clash undermanned in midfield, with Srhoj and McCormack serving suspensions and Avolio sidelined through injury. Their replacements – Cummings, Iacutone and Thompson – stepped in admirably, working hard to maintain structure and intensity through the middle of the park.
Mareeba made a strong start and were rewarded in the 15th minute when Leon Peressini found the back of the net to give the home side a deserved lead. The Bulls looked sharp early, moving the ball well and creating several promising chances. Despite their dominance, a lack of composure in front of goal proved costly, with multiple opportunities going begging that could have effectively put the game beyond reach.
As the match wore on, the Strikers gradually worked their way back into the contest. With the Bulls unable to extend their lead, belief grew for the visitors. That persistence paid off in the 88th minute when Redlynch converted a penalty, snatching a late equaliser and silencing the home crowd.
Bulls coach Victor Madrid acknowledged his side’s strong start but pointed to lapses that ultimately proved decisive.
“I’ve been pleased with the boys’ efforts over the last couple of weeks. We controlled this game well in the first half hour, then we went missing a bit,” Madrid said.
“It may have been the big change in the midfield, and we let them come through us at times and we were less disciplined. We had our opportunities and didn’t take them; we must play for the full 90 minutes.”
“I think we deserved to win today, but football is very unpredictable, and situations can change very rapidly.”
The Bulls will now look to regroup as they prepare to host Southside Comets this Saturday at 7pm, determined to turn promising performances into much-needed points.
