United’s defying the critics

WITH the men’s NPL at the halfway mark, the Bulletin runs the rule over Gold Coast United

OVERVIEW AFTER ROUND 15

Ladder position: 5th

Results: 7 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses Rating: A

Written off by many before season kick-off, United have defied the critics to remain in touch with the top four with a game in hand.

THE HIGHLIGHT

Led by a Cian Cuba double, the Surfsiders produced arguably their best football of the campaign in a scintillating 4-0 demolition of Brisbane Strikers at Perry Park in Round 5.

THE LOWLIGHT

A 4-0 loss at home to Olympic in Round 8 ended United’s five-game unbeaten run and sent them crashing back to earth.

THE STAR

Largely unheralded at the beginning of the season, Cian Cuba has been a constant threat in midfield, underlined by his late matchwinner against Brisbane Roar Youth in Round 6.

THE BACKBONE

Unsurprisingly, captain and ex Socceroo Michael Thwaite (left) has marshalled the defence superbly, with United conceding little more than a goal a game.