Bulli have moved to the top of the Illawarra Mercury Premier League for at least 24 hours after defeating a resilient Wollongong United at Macedonia Park on Saturday.

The Northern side will await the result of Dapto Dandaloo’s clash with the Cringila Lions on Sunday to see if they hold top spot heading into round 9 of the season.

An 85^th minute wonder goal from midfielder Jared Fish capped the 3-1 win in an end to end game that saw both teams create a wealth of chances on goal.

Bulli opened the scoring just four minutes into the match when a fast break down the left wing saw Jared Fish deliver a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Ben McDonald, who headed home from 6 yards out.

The visitors were on the offensive early on and had the chance to go two up just a minute later when Corey Horner found himself unmarked at the near post on a corner but the defender couldn’t direct his header on goal.

Possession was dominated by Bulli for much of the first half but Wollongong were able to stretch their defence on the counter through striker Robbie Shields.

And it was Shields who found an equaliser for United in the 22^nd minute.

The diminutive striker caught the Bulli defence napping with a darting run in behind the backline and flicked a lofted ball past goalkeeper Bryce Daenell to bring the sides level.

The score remained at 1-1 as the two teams entered the sheds for half time with both sides looking dangerous.

A slow start to the second half saw both teams trying to maintain possession and work a go-ahead goal from the back.

The breakthrough finally came for Bulli in the 72^nd minute when a Guy Knight corner dropped into the Wollongong 6 yard box and was scrambled over the line by midfielder Scott Curran.

Wollongong pushed hard for an equaliser but succeeded only in forcing several saves from Bulli keeper Bryce Daenell.

The game was finally put to bed in the 85^th minute by Jared Fish who scored an excellent strike to cap off an excellent game for the winger.

Receiving the ball on the edge of the 18 yard box Fish, who had hit the post five minutes prior, struck the ball on the half-volley and watched as it dipped perfectly over goalkeeper Sam Nastic and into the net.

Bulli have now made it two wins in a row and will look to continue the streak when they face the Tarrawanna Blueys at home next weekend.

Wollongong now find themselves in 9^th place on the table but can take heart from a solid performance against one of the league’s top teams.

Wollongong United 1 (R. Shields) Bulli FC 3 (B. McDonald, S. Curran, J. Fish)
Yellow Cards: J.Madgwick                 S. Lowrie, S. Davies

Referee: T. Royall

Julian Keith
FSC Reporter