Slow Opening Decides Gully’s Fate In Historic Maltese Derby
Football is a 90-minute game. Sometimes it only takes 15 minutes to decide it.
On a historic night at Green Gully Reserve, in front of more than 7,000 supporters who packed the terraces for the return of the Maltese Derby to the top flight, it was a blistering opening from Caroline Springs George Cross that set the tone and ultimately determined the result.
The occasion was everything it promised to be. Colour. Noise. Generations of Maltese-Australian football heritage filling the ground. Rivals on the pitch, respect in the stands. It was a credit to both clubs and to the wider Maltese football community that turned out in such extraordinary numbers.
Unfortunately for Green Gully, the early exchanges did not match the atmosphere.
David Chick opted for an attacking 4-3-3 shape, signalling clear intent. Instead, it was George Cross who seized control from the outset. Gully appeared rattled by the tempo and physicality of the opening exchanges, and within nine minutes the visitors were in front.
A penalty was awarded, correctly so, and Luke Jonathan Lofts converted from the spot. Michael Weier read it well and got down strongly, even getting a hand to the ball, but could not prevent it finding the net.
The early setback unsettled the home side further. George Cross pressed aggressively and capitalised on a cheap turnover in midfield midway through the half. The ball fell to Aydin Mustedanagic, who produced a composed, curling finish into the far corner in the 27th minute. It was a quality strike, but one born from avoidable circumstances.
At 2–0 inside half an hour, the visitors had their cushion.
From there, George Cross managed the contest efficiently. They were compact, disciplined and content to let Gully chase the game. The remainder of the first half felt flat from a home perspective, the early momentum proving difficult to reverse.
To their credit, Green Gully emerged after the break with renewed energy. The tempo lifted. The press improved. There was purpose in possession that had been missing in the opening stanza.
Chances followed.
Joshua Hope came close with a driven effort, and Bilal Habib looked dangerous across the front line. Habib did find the net midway through the second half, only for the assistant’s flag to cut short celebrations for offside. It was a moment that briefly reignited belief.
However, Christian Siciliano in the George Cross goal proved equal to the task when called upon, making several important saves to preserve the advantage.
In truth, the damage had been done early.
After last week’s encouraging display against Heidelberg United, this was a frustrating step backward. The second-half response showed character, but the opening half-hour was decisive.
The result stings. The occasion does not.
Friday night was a celebration of Maltese football heritage in Victoria. It showcased what these two clubs mean to their communities. While fierce competitors for 90 minutes, the mutual respect between Green Gully and George Cross remains strong.
The derby is back. The atmosphere was unforgettable.
Now the focus turns to ensuring the football matches it next time.
