Marconi and Bonnyrigg share a 0-0 draw

The aura surrounding Marconi Stadium pre-game was one of discontent. In three games, Luke Casserly's side have seen a win, a draw and a loss - not exactly the bright start the club was hoping for. Bonnyrigg filled ninth spot on the ladder, seeing three draws in their opening games.

Both coaches needed the win desperately to kick start their seasons, however with the pitch in horrible condition coupled with a recent down pour it was obvious that this would not be a pretty game of football.

Marconi fielding a strong 4-4-2 shape with 17 year old Daniel Petkovski making his mark in the left back position. Bonnyrigg played a loose 4-4-2 which at times looked more 3-3-4 with Chris Tadrosse pushing high up the park also from the left back role.

With six corners in the opening 20 minutes of football, it was evident that Bonnyrigg were pushing hard. Daniel Severino and Jamie McMaster were on corner duty and their in-swinging balls kept Marconi 'keeper James Chronopoulous busy.

There weren't many attempts on goal by Marconi in the first 45. Club captain Nahuel Arrarte was reduced to having shots from distance, none of which troubled the Petr Cech look-a-like in goals for Bonnyrigg - that of Phil Zabaks.

A late tackle out of frustration with five minutes left of the first half saw Luke Casserly's side down to ten men - Matthew Mayora sent off for a late and unnecessary challenge on Jamie McMaster.

The second half saw the same football as in the first, a couple of changes by the coaches meant fresh legs but not much else. Again the danger men for Bonnyrigg were Jamie McMaster and Daniel Severino who occupied the wings. With former Marconi player and current Sydney FC assistant coach, Steve Corica watching the match from the stands, we might see one or both of these players on a trial in the near future.

It was clear Marconi were the happier side to see a 0-0 result with the kit-man shouting "A million dollar side couldn't beat a side with 10 men". Luke Casserly perhaps not so joyous with a point, but was content to get a result against tough opposition.

"When you're playing at home, you've always got to go for all three points, but we knew we were up against a really good team, well organised and they kept us busy. When we went down to ten men in the first half we had to do more work off the ball, but I think our boys were outstanding.

"Organisation is key. Particularly organisation when you don't have the ball. It is something we worked on pre-season, there are the teams where we'll dominate possession, and those like today when the other side is stronger on the ball."

Bonnyrigg's coach, Brian Brown was not so philosophical, rather he emphasised on his side's inability to capitalise on the chances they had during the game.

"I think we should have got all three points no doubt. Maybe we didn't handle the situation too well such as the playing conditions which were terrible. We were trying to play nice pass and move football on a bumpy field. You just can't play like that here.

"Daniel Severino and Jamie McMaster are two quality players, but like everyone else, they need to be in form. Both of them are not performing to their best at the moment - we needed them to be playing good football to have a chance at winning this thing.

"Once we've hit out straps, got a couple of victories and a couple of goals, maybe even playing on a better surface I think we've got the side to win."


Marconi Stallions 0 - Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0