Broadbeach topple Knights on big stage
BROADBEACH United have underlined their reputation as the Gold Coast Premier League’s finals specialists after breaking the Gold Coast Knights’ unbeaten run in Saturday night’s major semi.
Having shocked the Knights in last season’s 2017 grand final, the Dolphins again produced their best on the big stage to prevail 2-1 against the reigning champions at the Croatian Sports Centre in Carrara.
With the Knights riding an 18-game unbeaten run in the league, Broadbeach took a 1-0 lead through Shaun Robinson before a howler from the hosts’ goalkeeper, Josh Langdon, gifted Tomoki Asakawa a second goal for the visitors.
Oskar Dillon pulled one back for the Knights but it was not enough to save them from a preliminary final showdown at home to Surfers Paradise this Saturday.
Apollo knocked Burleigh out of the title race in the minor semi final at Pizzey Park, prevailing 6-5 on penalties after scores were 1-1 after full-time and extra time.
“I think we’ve done what the other two teams (Surfers and Burleigh) weren’t capable of doing, we’ve taken a victory off Knights and I think it’s set a precedent. I think Surfers are a real good chance next week,” Broadbeach coach Lee Vernon, who will now prepare for the September 15 decider, said.
“We played some quality football against a good team and (I’m) just really, really proud of the lads. It’s finals football and I said right at the start any one of the four teams was capable of winning it.”
In the Coast League, Broadbeach beat Musgrave 4-2 to progress to the grand final, while Southport eliminated Kingscliff with a 2-0 win.