MADLE MAGIC SEALS VICTORY
HE WAS brought in as the cherry on top to the Gold Coast Knights’ high-powered attack and when his new team needed him the most, Marek Madle delivered.
The prodigious striker who made winning titles a habit while at Lions FC and Peninsula Power announced himself to the Knights faithful with a second-half winner against the previously unbeaten Brisbane Roar Youth on Sunday.
It capped a stirring Knights comeback from 1-0 down – Madle’s second goal of the campaign the tie-breaker after midfielder Max Brown’s strike prior to halftime cancelled out Alex Parsons’ opener for the visitors.
“It was definitely a crucial goal in a big game for us … I’m really happy to help us get away with the win,” Madle said.
Following dual defeats to Roar Youth in pre-season, the pressure was on the hosts to keep their unbeaten NPL Queensland home record intact.
“There definitely was pressure on us – that home record is something important for us to maintain,” Madle said.
“They were the in-form team, with young players who can run all day. We played to the game plan from Adem (Poric) and executed it well.”
With leading goalscorer Jheison Macuace set for a stint on the sidelines as he recovers from hand surgery, Madle says he is happy to shoulder the attacking load.
“If you’re a striker, goals are expected from you,” he said.
“It’s been a slower start than I would have wished for, but settling into a new team with new players around you takes time.
“I’m hoping to play my part and score goals, but I think … it doesn’t matter where the goals come from so long as we get the points on the board.
“I’m definitely not afraid to take on the task to score goals, because that’s what expected of me.”
The win moved Knights into second on the table, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Logan.