United oh, so close, to upstaging NPL leader

GOLD Coast United fired their first warning shot of the NPL season, despite letting three points slip through their fingers at Robina

Entering the Round 6 clash against Olympic in 12th spot with three points, United looked on track to inflict the leaders’ first loss when they had a 2-0 lead 18 minutes into the second half on Saturday.

But two Olympic goals inside the final eight minutes, which followed the sending off of United debutant Matt Green in the 72nd minute, ensured the points were shared.

While disappointed at missing the chance to secure the club’s second win, midfield tyro Lochie Reus said the result would provide a launching pad for the rest of the season.

“We played very, very well and not to get the result is a shame. But we can take a lot of positives out of this, work hard on those areas that need some attention and focus on building a better performance next week,” Reus said.

“We proved what we can do and what we’re capable of.”

Englishman Conor Smith opened the scoring for United with a sublime free kick from the edge of the box in the 51st minute, before Nick Panetta doubled the lead with his first goal for the club 12 minutes later.

Green’s departure proved a turning point, with Adam Edgar reviving Olympic hopes with an 82nd-minute penalty.

A second, more contentious penalty came on the stroke of full-time, with Edgar again delivering the goods.

“The game was there for the taking and on balance we probably deserved to win that,” United coach Sean Lane said.