McElligott nails hat-trick as United show class
ROOKIE captain Acim Tomic scored a goal in his first game as on-field leader of Gold Coast United but it was a woman who stole the thunder in pre-season trials.
Tomic and Fraser Eller hit the net when United drew 2-2 with Sunshine Coast Premier League champions Noosa Lions in the new NPL Queensland’s club first hitout together.
Yet it was Meghan McEllia gott who captured the plaudits with the club’s first hat-trick when the women drew 4-4 with Brisbane Lions.
McElligott has joined United from the Brisbane Roar training squad after a stint in America with the Washington Spirit.
Men’s coach Sean Lane was more than happy with United’s maiden match which was played in sapping heat on the Sunshine Coast.
“It was exactly what I expected, a hard hitout against decent side in the first game we’ve played together,” Lane said.
“There is still plenty to work on but we did some good things.
“I expected nothing less at this stage and I was also glad the boys were disappointed.”
United were two down in the final 30 minutes before Eller and Tomic squared the ledger.
“There were no superstars there, no standouts, we achieved what we wanted to achieve and that was to get some kilometres into their legs,” Lane said.
“No one is guaranteed a spot at the moment. They’re all going through a stage of fighting for a spot in the first team.”
The trial was an eye-opener for English recruit Conor Smith who played out the full 90 minutes.
“The last time he played it was minus-two degrees in England – this time it was in the high 30s,” Lane said.
United have another preseason match against new Gold Coast Premier League club Twee United on Sunday night.