Cup clash a fresh chance for United

GOLD Coast United will chase swift redemption on Tuesday night after a horror second half consigned them to a fourth-consecutive NPL defeat away to Moreton Bay United on Saturday.

Desperate for their first victory since March 24, United appeared on track for a share of the spoils — or better — when a James Coutts header helped them to a 1-1 halftime scoreline. But their hopes of a come-from-behind win were dashed amid a Moreton Bay onslaught after the break, with the Jets breaking the deadlock with a 65th-minute penalty before running out 4-1 victors.

The Coast outfit will now turn their attention to tomorrow night’s FFA Cup clash with 2019 NPL entrants Gold Coast Knights at Carrara’s Croatian Club.

“The great thing about our game is that we have the opportunity to fix things on Tuesday night,” United coach Sean Lane said.

“There’ll be a massive focus now on that game and making sure we prepare properly.

“We were well in the game in the first half (against Moreton Bay) and created plenty of chances but only converted one.

“We conceded another penalty at a crucial time and were chasing the game from there on.

“We need to be smarter defensively and more ruthless in front of goal.”

The result is a hammer blow to United’s finals hopes, with the top four now more than three wins adrift.

Their next NPL fixture is away to SWQ on Saturday.