Derby hangover: Part I
Showdown with NPL rivals still lingers for United
THE mental and physical drain of the city’s first NPL derby may have played a part in Gold Coast United’s 4-0 NPL disaster against Olympic at Tallebudgera.
Riding a five-game unbeaten run into the Round 8 match at Coplick Family Sports Park on Sunday, United were a shadow of the side that secured a 1-1 draw against Gold Coast Knights the previous week.
While they held their own to trail 1-0 at halftime, the floodgates opened after the break as Olympic climbed into third place on the back of three second-half strikes.
United’s Jason Campbell, who had been a midfield rock in the Surfsiders’ climb into the top four, admitted the battle with the Knights had taken its toll on the young squad.
“It was a big game (against Knights), a derby. It takes a lot out of you mentally,” the 21year-old said.
“We didn’t really turn up to the game (against Olympic). It was tough conditions – it was stinking hot – and we just didn’t show up.
“With good sides like Olympic, they’re going to score goals and take their chances. They just got on top physically.
“We had a few starting players out. It’s no excuse, the boys who came in had to do a job. We just weren’t good enough.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a reality check but Olympic is a good team. If we want to challenge (for the title) ourselves, we have to turn up in big games.”
Named in the NPL Team of the Week following his performance against the Knights, Campbell said he was among those who failed to fire against Olympic.
“(The game) personally was a bit of a setback. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I know I could offer more and do better but from week one I’ve been gradually building,” he said.
“Hopefully next week I can build again.”
Now fifth, United travel to Mackay on Saturday. The second-placed Knights host Lions.