Phoenix, Macarthur both looking to open accounts

GOLD COAST: Macarthur FC coach Ante Milicic says his team has a second chance to celebrate its arrival in the ALeague against Wellington Phoenix today.

The Bulls’ first home match at Campbelltown Stadium ended in a 20 loss to Central Coast last Sunday, a result that did not sit well with Milicic on a historic occasion for the expansion club.

After a week of reflection, the 46yearold is challenging his team to erase that memory against the Phoenix in their second home match.

‘‘We had a good turnout the other day and we felt that we disappointed our supporters and members with the performance,’’ Milicic said.

‘‘We’re getting another opportunity, a second chance, to get it right.

‘‘Hopefully, we’ve learned the lessons from our from our defeat against the Mariners and we’re looking for an improved performance.’’

Spanish midfielder Benat Etxebarria is pushing for a first start of the season, after coming off the bench in Macarthur’s opening two games, and Milicic is confident English striker Matt Derbyshire opening his goalscoring account is only a matter of time.

‘‘He’s really fitted into the style of football that we want,’’ he said.

‘‘He actually does a lot more work off the ball than people give him credit for, so his movement’s been excellent.

‘‘If anything, we haven’t done him justice with the service that we’ve provided him.’’

The Phoenix also suffered a loss last weekend, falling 21 to reigning champion Sydney FC in its first match of the season.

Despite the result, Milicic saw enough from Ufuk Talay’s men to know his team is in for a tough match today.

The former Matildas coach identified Israeli striker Tomer Hemed and Mexican playmaker Ulises Davila as two players his team will have to be wary of.

Both came off the bench in the second half of the loss to the Sky Blues and Milicic expects them to be fitter and stronger for the run against his team.

‘‘We know that they’re a very strong side,’’ Milicic said.

‘‘He [Talay] did a fantastic job with them last year and they’ll continue to build on that.’’ — AAP