United revival taking shape
COACH Sean Lane says momentum is building for Gold Coast United as they prepare to put their unbeaten run on the line against NPL newcomers Mackay and Whitsundays on Saturday.
A week after becoming the first team this season to take points off Olympic with a 2-2 draw, United recorded a crucial 1-0 win over North Queensland United on Saturday night in Townsville.
While Lane knows his side must continue to improve, the first-year coach said the victory, which came courtesy of Nick Panetta’s 57th-minute strike, was a positive sign for the remainder of 2018.
“There’s a building momentum within the squad and we are looking forward to the next few games,” he said.
“We have plenty of improvement left in us and on our day we are capable of beating any side in this league.
“The performance (on Saturday) was another step in the right direction. North Queensland are a big, physical side and will definitely take a lot of points from teams up there.
“The additions to the squad have added a real competition for places and I can see the lift in intensity and quality at training. Nick Panetta was unplayable in the first half and he took his goal brilliantly in the second half ... he had his best game for the club.”
United vice-captain James Coutts echoed Lane’s sentiments, saying the side was beginning to hit its straps.
“The lads got a lot of confidence out of last week’s performance (against Olympic) and were superb. We dominated from the first whistle, stayed calm and delivered a very mature performance,” Coutts said.
“I thought to a man everyone was outstanding. Not only did we move the ball with quality but we showed the grit and determination required to keep a clean sheet.”
Sitting 11th, United host the Magpies Crusaders at Slacks Creek at 7pm on Saturday.
The visitors have just three points from six games to sit second from bottom.