United see red as season goes south

A LACK of discipline again proved costly for Gold Coast United on Saturday night as their NPL woes continued at home to Western Pride.

For the fifth time this season, United went a man down when Tommy Torszok was handed a red card in the 22nd minute, leaving the Pride to take advantage for a 3-1 win at Robina’s Station Reserve.

Trailing 3-0, the Surfsiders secured a late lifeline thanks to a Brandon Reeves goal in the 76th minute, before another straight red to Declan Bingham ensured there would be no miracle escape.

It was a third-straight defeat for Sean Lane’s side, who have stagnated after appearing on track for a finals push earlier in the season.

“Every game is winnable, we just need to be able to keep 11 players on the pitch,” Lane lamented after the game.

“Going down to 10 men against a good side was always going to be a struggle but the boys were superb.

“There have been games this year that I’ve been disappointed in how we’ve played but I couldn’t fault their commitment, desire and endeavour. Everyone dug in and played their part. We will approach each (remaining) game the same as tonight.”

United have now won one of their past eight games, conceding 28 goals in that time.

Sitting ninth, the Surfsiders will play their fourth-last game of the season at home to ladder-leading Lions at 6pm on Sunday.