Once high-flying Apollo are now struggling to take off

SURFERS Paradise have set themselves a task to retain the Gold Coast Premier League title after escaping with a draw against bottom club Coomera.

Coach David Benigno insists the Apollo are not struggling despite going from outright leaders a month ago to third spot and now five points off the pace being set by red-hot Gold Coast Knights.

“Are we struggling? Not at all,” Benigno said after substitute Zac Kalinikos scored a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at Lex Bell Oval on Saturday.

“That’s just football, results don’t go your way at times.”

The big test comes next weekend when Surfers head to the Knights for a blockbuster at Croatian Sports Centre.

The Knights stretched their winning run to 11 with a 3-1 victory against Palm Beach at Duncan McKenna Field.

Dynamic striking duo Andrew Barisic and Teddy Watson were on target for a 2-0 half-time lead before Palm Beach narrowed the gap through Luca Mira.

It was Dean Wernerson who put the issue to bed when he scored five minutes later.

Two goals from man of the match Adam Powell set up a 3-1 win for Broadbeach United against Burleigh Heads at Pizzey Park.

Beaten coach Keith Garland conceded the Dolphins were too good, though the winners will lose veteran Russell Miner for at least a week after his late red card.

Broadbeach coach Lee Vernon said Minor was dismissed for his part in a sideline scuffle.

Magic United eased problems, beating Murwillumbah 2-1 at Birmingham Road.