McElligott leads rout – and more may follow
GOLD Coast United’s women can this weekend push for a place in the NPL’s top four after a demolition of SWQ Thunder ensured a shot at a six-point swing.
Power forward Meg McElligott helped herself to four goals in Saturday’s 8-1 drubbing of the lowly Thunder, in turn sending United rocketing up the ladder.
That trend could continue when next Saturday they host last-placed Mudgeeraba.
It was all about McElligott early before attackers Mackenzie Akin and Dee Thompson combined late for Thompson’s 80th career NPL goal.
In a 20-minute frenzy, striker McElligott proved how damaging she – and her team – can be. Coach Michael Cook heaped praised on his entire squad after the game.
“It was tough for both teams out there, very difficult conditions,” he said.
“But our girls were fantastic, they stuck to the game plan and were all really solid.”
While finding it hard not to heap praise on McElligott, Cook was keen to complement those behind for providing quick ball in transition to set the attackers free.
“Meg was outstanding upfront, she’ll always cause problems for the opposition if we get her the ball in the right places,” he said.
“We defended strong and transitioned superbly with some slick one-touch ball movement and some pinpoint passes into space and the channels.”
In the men’s game on Saturday night, United fell 4-2 to Brisbane Strikers.
Gold Coast Utd 8
27’, 30’, 34’, 38’, Thompson 80’)
(McElligott 25’, 45’; Akins 65’; (Franke 33’)
d SWQ 1