Goalie saves United

A SPECTACULAR doublesave from goalkeeper Pasquale Gioffre has rescued Gold Coast United from throwing away an important win over North Queensland United.

Gold Coast remain in ninth on the NPL Queensland men’s ladder on the back of the 2-1 win over their northern rivals at Cornubia Park on Saturday night, following a late location change due to rain.

A double from Gold Coast striker Brandon Reeves gave United the advantage in the first half but the home side went missing in the second.

North Queensland grew in confidence as the game went on and an own-goal by Gold Coast provided some tense moments going into the dying stages.

North Queensland looked set to even the ledger before a stunning double-save from Gioffre with 10 minutes left ensured Gold Coast secured all three points.

Gold Coast United coach Sean Lane was proud of his team’s performance but was left to rue what could have been.

“We were excellent in the first half and could have had another two or three goals and that would have been game over,” Lane said.

“In the final half-hour, they could have nicked a draw or possibly a win.

“Our performance in the second half played into their hands and caused us problems.”

Gold Coast United next travel north to Mackay to face Magpies Crusaders FC in a must-win encounter as United look to climb up the ladder in the back half of the season.

“Next week will be a similar game as of today – they will be physical and hard at it and we will need to match them for the endeavour and go from there,” Lane said.

“I believe we have a good enough team to win and we will be preparing to expect nothing else.

“We want to finish as high up the ladder as we can.”