Preston Pounce as Gully Fall Short in Thriller
Sometimes football writes its own script – drama, joy, heartbreak – and for Green Gully, their Friday night trip to Genis Steel Stadium had it all, except the happy ending. David Chick’s men were narrowly edged out 3-2 by Preston Lions in a pulsating clash that could’ve swung either way until the very end.
It started poorly for Gully, with Preston’s Jason Romero seizing a moment of midfield lethargy to unleash a blistering strike from distance in the 10th minute. Liam Driscoll, despite his agility, could only watch as the ball rippled his net. Ten minutes later, Romero turned creator, carving down the right flank and sliding a perfect ball across goal for Gian Albano, who was left alone in the six-yard box to double Preston’s lead.
But credit to Green Gully, they didn’t wilt. Aamir Abdallah pulled one back before the break, converting confidently from the penalty spot after being felled inside the area, giving Gully hope at 2-1 going into halftime.
Yet again, Gully’s concentration faltered shortly after the restart. Barely two minutes into the second half, Lleyton Brooks replicated Romero’s first-half heroics, firing another long-range missile into the top corner, leaving Driscoll rooted and restoring Preston’s two-goal advantage.
Gully’s response was commendable as they battled to find a route back into the match. Kasper Hallam, ever the livewire, reduced the deficit to a single goal again with a composed finish from close range midway through the second half. From there, Gully threw everything forward, pressing and probing, but Preston’s resolve held firm, and the Lions saw out a nervy finish to secure a 3-2 victory.
A painful defeat for the Cavaliers, but not one without lessons and spirit shown in abundance. Gully will need to tighten up defensively and rediscover their midfield urgency to ensure they bounce back quickly.
They’ll regroup and go again, still eyeing a finals berth, but knowing consistency and discipline will be vital as the season progresses.
