By FCBL Football Writer Sidney Bristoe.

Following the remarkable scenes in the English Premier League on the final day of the 2011/2012 season, few attending Monday’s game between FC Bulleen Lions and Monbulk Rangers would have expected a similar dose of drama and excitement! Those that regularly come to watch the FC Bulleen Lions Women expect to see good football from an exciting team but what they got was an extraordinary game of the highest calibre with a breathtaking ending of the kind that you only find in movies.

Monbulk quickly took the lead after a quick-fire attack down the wing to prod home after only 4 minutes. Having already missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the opening minute, Monbulk would have believed their lead was well deserved and FC Bulleen had uncharacteristically not got into their stride. Monbulk continued to threaten and Mel Maizels reacted sharply to save a point blank effort and recovered well at the back post to save the Lions from going further behind.

After the shock of the first 15 minutes, the Lions started to find their pattern and began to dictate the pace of the game which resulted in numerous chances that would normally end up in the back of the net either blazing agonizingly wide of the post or saved by a very competent Rangers goalkeeper. Against the run of play and a minute before the half-time whistle FC Bulleen were penalized for an infringement, but Monbulk failed to extend their advantage from the penalty spot and Bulleen gratefully went in at half-time only 1-0 down.

The second half saw FC Bulleen emerge dominantly and despite their continued pressure, cut forlorn figures as the ball seemingly refused to go in the net. Finally, the breakthrough was recorded in the 80th minute after Federica Frew squirmed in the box and dug out a shot from behind her to draw FC Bulleen deservedly level. Within 2 minutes, Monbulk ran down the Lions end and scored a carbon copy of their first goal to go back into the lead and shock Bulleen to the core – the first time the Lions have conceded 2 goals in a year.

Despite the shock, the Lions showed great courage and no shortage of character to continue to probe at the Rangers defence and eventually had another opportunity to draw level following a penalty worthy infringement and Tessa Sernio maintained her composure to dispatch the spot-kick calmly.

With both sides potentially willing to settle for a draw following a topsy-turvy game, FC Bulleen didn’t accept dropping points and continued to attack in the dying minutes and after a flowing move down the wing, FC Bulleen claimed a dramatic last minute winner through a composed finish from Tessa Sernio to send the Dave Barro Stadium into raptures and earn FC Bulleen Lions their most hard fought 3 points in recent memory.

The FC Bulleen Lions now look forward to their next match, away at Princes Park Oval, Sunday, 20 May at 3:00pm. The next home game is 28 May when South Yarra SC are welcomed to the Dave Barro Stadium for an 8:30pm KO.

“From our perspective, this display really emphasized the character in our group. Without playing our best football, we met and matched a very determined and well equipped Monbulk team and in the end got the reward for never retreating and not giving up. Tonight’s game was not one you’ll see frequently. Credit to Monbulk Rangers for a gritty display and for pushing us all the way; they’re a very good team in a false position in the division and I wish them good luck for the remainder of the season. I’m already looking forward to the rematch!”
–Adrian Drury, Senior Women’s Coach

FC Bulleen Lions 3 – 2 Monbulk Rangers

Scorers: Tessa Sernio (2), Federica Frew

The Lions Reserves notched up their fifth win from five games, albeit in less dramatic style. The Lions skipped out to an early 2 – 0 lead only to have the Rangers respond with tight aggressive football. Although in control of the game, it wasn’t until mid way through the second half that the Lions truly gained the ascendency to score another 3 goals to run out easy victors.

FC Bulleen Lions 5 – 0 Monbulk Rangers

Scorers: Melinda Aloisio, Jacqui Brotchie, Alesandra Varallo, Heleena Alatsas, Nicole Tumblety

By David Del Monaco

Following their exploits on Monday night against Ballarat, the ever-effervescent Lions faced a new challenge away to South Springvale, who looked out of their depth and by all accounts will be happy to remain in this State 1 this season.

Once again, Bulleen started brightly with Em Coppock opening the account after just 4 minutes with an well-taken poacher’s finish, an example followed soon after by Cassandra Dalla Costa who netted a similar effort soon after. In-form striker Paola Bernini was in the mood once again, effectively ending the game as a contest before the half-time interval with two quick-fire goals.

The second half saw Springvale adopting a more physical and aggressive approach, designed presumably to try and intimidate the younger Lions rather than affect the score sheet.
Em Coppock was having none of it though, coming alive again half way through the half to get on the end of a typical Tessa Sernio defence-splitting pass to slot home her second of the game, rounding off an efficient FC Bulleen performance.
Alex Kite in goals for Bulleen was not untested however, producing a couple of stunning saves to maintain the team’s superb defensive record of conceding only 1 goal from 4 matches.

FC Bulleen Lions now look forward to their next match on the 14th of May when we host Monbulk Rangers home at the David Barro Stadium for an 8:30pm KO.

“It was important to follow up the Ballarat performance with a positive result against South Springvale today. South Springvale represents a slightly different kind of challenge than Ballarat, Altona City, Melbourne Uni and Monbulk Rangers, but the result is no less important. There were some excellent early signs and maybe we ran out of steam a little towards the end of the game after a difficult week for a variety of reasons.”
–Adrian Drury, Senior Women’s Coach

FC Bulleen Lions 5 – 0 South Springvale
Scorers: Em Coppock (2), Paola Bernini (2), Cass Dalla Costa

In the lead up game, the Lions Reserves overcame a very slow start to overwhelm a determined Springvale, who eventually capitulated. FCBL winning easily in the end.

FC Bulleen Lions Reserves 6 – 0 South Springvale Reserves
Scorers: Alkimini Stefanidis (2), Alesandra Varallo (2), Ashley Hiotis, Elle Voulgaris

In the first home game of the season the Senior Women faced a team lauded as potential title-contenders, the Ballarat Lady Devils. The game lived up to expectations, with everything from tough physical clashes, quality possession football, a couple of cracking goals and a great display of stamina & athleticism.

Bulleen opened the scoring early, with Paola Bernini scoring an excellent long range free kick that crept in under the cross bar. To Ballarat’s credit they rose to the occasion, fiercely competing for everything, but they came unstuck in the last minute of the first half, when Mel Aloisio set up another Paola Bernini strike from outside the box to have Bulleen go in 2-nil at half time.

As expected, the Lady Devils came out firing in the second half and it wasn’t long before their pressure lead to a couple of defensive errors that resulted in a goal. At 2-1, it was game on!

The intensity rose to another level and the physical clashes resulted in players from both sides needing to leave the pitch. It was a case of which team would rise above and that was Bulleen. With some quality team play and outstanding individual performances from Salma Tawfic and Em Coppock, Bulleen were able to wear down a spirited Ballarat team and score two late goals, with Ashley Hiotis getting on the end of some good lead up play, to seal a well-deserved win.

“The win over Ballarat was an excellent team performance. It’s encouraging to see the constant improvements in the squad and that the players are eager to rise to the occasion, and they put on a crowd pleasing performance tonight. I’m confident there’s plenty more to come from this young squad; they’ll continue to improve as we move deeper into the season and as the challenges increase.”
–Adrian Drury, Senior Women’s Coach

FC Bulleen Lions 4 – 1 Ballarat Lady Devils
Scorers: Paola Bernini (2), Ashley Hiotis (2)

Earlier in the evening, the Reserves experienced an equally challenging game and also triumphed over a tenacious Ballarat.

FC Bulleen Lions Reserves 3 – 1 Ballarat Lady Devils Reserves
Scorers: Alesandra Varallo, Marie Simonetti, Sophie Hesse

Prosciutto & Pasta Night

Together with Brown Brothers wine tastings.

Saturday, 2nd June 2012 in the Rialto Room at the Veneto Club.
7pm arrival, 7:30pm start

Starter: Prosciutto & melon
Main: Mixed pasta & prosciutto share plates
Dessert: Fruit salad with vanilla ice cream
Drinks: Vino, beer, soft drink & caffè included

Live Music & Prizes, including a weekend for two at the Brown Brothers Winery Milawa, VIC.

Only $48.00 per person.

Bookings essential as limited seats available.
Group bookings welcome through Team Managers or Karen Daley on 9850 4121 or email fcblions@venetoclub.com.

Looking forward to seeing all the Bulleen Lions family & friends there!
You’d be a salami to miss this!!!
-FCBL

Dear Parents,

Once again, welcome to FCBL. We look forward to having a great year and would like to remind everyone that we do have some Policies and Codes Of Behaviour that need to be respected and adhered to.

Now that we are into the season, below is just a reminder of rules that will be enforced:

1. Please observe the No Smoking signs and as per FFV rules, smoking in front of children is not permitted.
2. The Club has a No Dogs policy. This not just for the ugly ones, it is for ALL DOGS. We’ve already had one incident where a dog has bitten a young girl’s finger. So NO DOGS. Not even cute puppies.
3. Parents are not coaches, so while we encourage parents to support and encourage players, we do not tolerate parents yelling out instructions to little Johnny. Coaching is the responsibility of the coach.
4. During training and on match days parents and children are not permitted on the ground at all. All spectators must remain on the perimeter of the pitches. On match day this is the responsibility of the Marshal on duty.
5. All players playing matches on Sunday must arrive at the match in the correct dress code. Black pants, black shoes, burgundy polo with FCBL logo and the black reversible jacket.

Wish you all a very enjoyable season.

Yours in sport,
Joe Polazzon
Junior Football Operations Manager