Half-time change saves Bulls
AN acrobatic goal from striker George Koroma helped the FNQ Bulls earn a 1-1 draw with the North Queensland Razorbacks in their Queensland State League clash at Borzi Park on Saturday night.
Koroma’s spectacular overhead kick, from the pinpoint cross of Steven Cater, cannoned into the net in the 79th minute and was a deserved reward for the pressure the Bulls had exerted in the second half.
It was a different scene from the first stanza when the Bulls hardly looked in the game.
The Razorbacks tormented the home team by continually retaining possession and hit the lead when speedy forward David Mayes finished off a right-hand incursion just before the break.
Reacting to the Bulls’ predicament, coach Peter Tokesi brought on attacking midfielder Joe Rusch and winger Nathan Bird at halftime and pushed Koroma into a central attacking role.
The Bulls quickly adapted to the formation. With Rusch controlling distribution, the home side grew in stature and looked a more threatening unit.
But the Razorbacks also had their chances in the second half and only a combination of fine saves from goalkeeper Daniel Wilesmith, the calm head of central defender Victor Madrid and the cross bar kept scores locked until fulltime.
Tokesi, who enjoys a close relationship with Razorbacks mentor Mick Tonner, said he and his counterpart breathed a huge sigh of relief at the final whistle.
"I think both coaches wanted to win the game but we’d both be happy with the draw at the end of the day," he said.
"I’m quite happy with the draw. It’s fantastic but in saying that I believe Townsville had a couple of opportunities to score in the second half and that’s where sometimes you have to ride your luck.
"They knocked a couple across the face of goal and that kept us in the game and George Koroma scored a great goal."
Tokesi said he accepted responsibility for the Bulls’ poor start.
"I believe we came out with the wrong tactics in the first half and you can only blame the coach for that," he said.
"Our players couldn’t adapt. We changed our shape in the second half and put them
under a bit of pressure and created a couple of opportunities."
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