United up for NPLW mission
GOLD Coast United’s “courage and character” has come to the fore as the NPL Women’s finals hopefuls put behind them an arduous run through the Commonwealth Games period.
Coach Michael Cook was full of praise for his side following Monday night’s 3-3 draw with Logan at Cornubia, despite the Lightning’s lowly ladder position.
The hosts led 3-1 midway through the second half before two goals in three minutes gave United a share of the points from the Round 12 encounter.
“To perform the way they did during the last 30 minutes shows that this is a wonderful group of young women. Full of courage and character, this group refuses to give up,” Cook said.
“After all of the challenges they’ve faced this season — injuries, disruption to so many training sessions due to Commonwealth Games, and having to play 10 out of the 12 matches away from home, to be on a run of one defeat in four games is a credit to the players.”
Chasing their third win, Logan led 2-0 after 33 minutes before Meg McElligott halved the deficit shortly before halftime with her 23rd goal of the season.
The Lightning’s two-goal cushion was restored in the 70th minute but McElligott’s second (71st minute) and a Mackenzie Akins strike (73rd minute) ensured the Gold Coast would not leave emptyhanded.
While Cook conceded United were “definitely not good enough in the first half”, he reserved praise for skipper and player of the match Neesa Doyle, as well as his wingers.
“Neesa Doyle was huge for us, at times playing the part of three players. And Teleya Reynolds was outstanding in an unfamiliar role for her.
“We were all so excited to see (the returning) Dee Thompson get through 35 minutes and while a little rusty after such a lengthy time out, she definitely made a difference for us.
“Bring on Sunshine Coast and the rest of the season. My women are ready.”
With a break this weekend, seventh-placed United’s next outing is at home to battling Sunshine Coast on May 12.