Zaf's Cannons four game winning streak to open the 2019 season was brought to an end in controversial circumstances as the FC Bulleen Lions (Red) U11s held off the away side to draw 3-all at the Veneto Club Ground in Bulleen today.
As they have done so on numerous occasions, Zaf's Cannons came out on the front foot from the opening whistle with relentless attack and were soon rewarded when midfielder Marcus cut through the Bulleen midfield and took a shot which rebounded off the post nicely to Winger Georgia who calmly put away her 4th League goal of the season. The home side started to grow into the game shortly after and made a few nice breaks but were denied by a couple of fantastic saves by goalkeeper Athan. Oakleigh responded almost immediately, and Winger Mikey took the opportunity to break off a misguided Lions corner, to set up a lovely assist for Striker Ethan, who tapped in the ball off the left foot to take the Cannons out to a 2-0 lead.
Then shortly before half time, goalkeeper Athan denied the home side again but as he placed the ball down to take the goal kick, a Bulleen player (who was not marched back the required 10 metres by the referee), suddenly pounced on the live ball to send it into the back of the net. The referee allowed the goal to stand and at half time the Cannons held a slender 2-1 halftime lead despite having most of the run of play in the first half.
In the 2nd half, the home side came out energized on the back of the late first half goal but the Cannons defence held strong to deny them the equalizer on numerous occasions.
About Six minutes in, Oakleigh were awarded an indirect free kick from a hand ball and midfielder Marcus crossed the ball into the box to find winger Jimmy, who took a shot on goal which the Bulleen Lions goalkeeper deflected away. Bulleen's defender failed to clear the ball or find a team mate, sending the ball back into Jimmy's path which he nailed home for the Cannons' 3rd goal of the match.
From there it looked like Zaf's Cannons would go on to collect their 5th win of the season but the home side rallied and found two goals in quick succession to make it 3-all with five minutes to go and send the match to a thrilling finish. Zaf's Cannons pushed hard for a late winner with plenty of attacking opportunities but final passes and shots towards goal failed to find the mark and the match ended as a draw at fulltime.
Oakleigh will feel unlucky after having more shots on goal and a majority of possession but all in all it was a fantastic performance by the Cannons who still remain undefeated in season 2019 after their first five games.
Next weekend, Zaf's Cannons are back at home when they face the Eastern Lions FC at Jack Edwards Reserve on Sunday.
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