Sydney stuns Central Coast

Updated December 28, 2012 10:48:30

A resurgent Sydney FC stunned A-League leader Central Coast 1-0 with Brett Emerton sealing the victory with a late winner on Thursday.

Emerton's 89th minute winner secured the three points to lift the Sky Blues off the bottom of the ladder into ninth place.

The Mariners' frustration spilled over in injury time with John Hutchinson and Tom Rogic both receiving red cards.

Graham Arnold expressed his disappointment at the two players' behaviour and rued the way it could hurt his side in upcoming games.

"I was disappointed with ill-discipline at the end," Arnold said.

"We've talked many times before about stupid yellow cards and we're going to be hurting now for the next game because McBreen is out and now Tommy as well as Hutchinson. In a busy period it tests your depth for sure."

The Sky Blues looked miles apart from the side who got thumped 7-2 by the Mariners in their last encounter in what was an end-to-end clash at Sydney Football Stadium.

Sydney showed a sense of urgency from the get-go with Yairo Yau creating a chance for stand-in skipper Emerton a minute in.

But the Mariners attack soon began to create headaches for Sydney, easily getting past the Sky Blues defence with both the league's leading goal scorer Daniel McBreen and Joshua Rose forcing saves from gloveman Vedran Janjetovic.

Alessandro Del Piero showed his impressive skills to win the ball and go on a defence-busting run with Socceroo tyro keeper Matt Ryan saving his ensuing shot.

The Juventus legend looked like putting the hosts in front just before the break, causing a goal mouth scramble with a curling shot with Trent Sainsbury doing well to clear the ball off the line.

The Sky Blues continued peppering the Mariners goal with shots in the second half with both Adam Griffiths and Blake Powell getting the 16,887-strong crowd on their feet with dangerous strikes.

The match was briefly interrupted in the 63rd minute when a streaker took to the field.

McBreen had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 74th minute when he found himself one-on-one with the the 'keeper but Janjetovic saved the strike from point-blank range.

Tomas Rogic could have stolen a win in the dying minutes when late substitute Mitchell Duke supplied him with a perfect cross into the box but the Mariners playmaker sent his shot over the crossbar.

Sydney's Rhyan Grant replied with a shot of his own a moment later but was denied by the woodwork.

Sydney's Ali Abbas then played a perfect ball to Emerton with the Socceroo heading home the winner.

Frustration boiled over for the Mariners side with Hutchinson being sent off in extra time after earning his second yellow card.

An on-field scuffle broke out between several players and things got worse for the Mariners with Rogic getting a straight red card for a tackle on Grant to end the match with nine players.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000

First posted December 27, 2012 22:07:53

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Roar young guns bury Gold Coast

Updated March 25, 2012 21:05:41

A weakened Brisbane Roar broke the hearts of Gold Coast United with a late goal to seal a 2-1 victory at Skilled Park on Sunday night in an emotion-charged M1 derby.

The match looked set for a 1-1 draw after the Roar's Albanian international Besart Berisha squandered a golden chance in the 86th minute when he sprayed a shot over the bar from point-blank range.

A goal would have boosted Berisha past the season record of 19 set by ex-Gold Coast United marksman Shane Smeltz in 2009-10.

But substitute George Lambadaridis rocketed a curling drive into the top corner of the net in the 90th minute to ensure United ended potentially their final match with a shattering loss.

"I just saw the goal and hit through it," the 19-year-old midfielder told Fox Sports.

"The boys worked so hard over 90 minutes... we created plenty of opportunities and I think we deserved to win the game."

It was the Roar's first A-League win on Gold Coast turf and came after being forced to play from behind after Daniel Bowles gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute before another Roar youngster Nick Fitzgerald equalised just short of the hour mark.

"We were just that half yard off," Gold Coast captain Michael Thwaite said.

"Credit to them they are a great team and they deserve to be where they are on the table."

The clash was virtually meaningless for the second-placed Roar, who were denied the chance to claim the Premiers' Plate after Central Coast defeated Wellington Phoenix 2-1 in Sunday's early match.

But wooden spooners United were desperate to end a disappointing season on a positive note, with the high likelihood the club will not be part of the A-League next season.

The Roar rested six regular players from their last A-League clash, a 2-1 win over Newcastle, although Bahraini defender Mohamed Adnan (knee) had been ruled out in the lead-up.

The others omitted were goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos, captain Matt Smith, strike weapon Mitch Nichols, defender Ivan Franjic and German talisman Thomas Broich - a fair chunk of experience and talent.

Coach Ange Postecoglou has one eye fixed on the first leg of the major semi-final against Central Coast at Lang Park on Saturday and the other on his club's Asian Champions League campaign, which continues on Wednesday in South Korea.

United were playing for pride - in front of 6,102 mostly Roar supporters - and for new contracts for those players who might be left without jobs.

Football Federation Australia is examining the merits of a new consortium's bid to take over the A-League licence which was stripped from maverick billionaire owner Clive Palmer late last month.

"The feeling is more negative than positive at the moment," Thwaite admitted.

"Hopefully we can at least keep the youth team here on the Coast.

"I've got some options, but I haven't signed anything yet," the central defender added.

"I'm a loyal person and I'll be loyal until the end."

Postecoglou's mass changes in the line-up seemed to throw the Roar, who were content to simply retain possession without creating any clear-cut chances in a lacklustre first half.

United made them pay for their slow start, with Peter Jungschlager's pinpoint long ball finding an unmarked Bowles, who slammed the ball past the Roar's number two goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne in the 29th minute.

United keeper Jarrad Tyson made two excellent saves in the opening half to deny Brazilian sharpshooter Henrique, who looked most likely to prise the Coast's defence open.

The Roar equalised in the 58th minute through substitute Fitzgerald, who showed good footwork to drive a low shot from just inside the box past the diving Tyson.

Brisbane: 2 (N Fitzgerald 58', G Lambadaridis 90')

Gold Coast: 1 (D Bowles 29')

ABC/AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, qld, australia, brisbane-4000

First posted March 25, 2012 20:40:15

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Victory snare Traore from Gold Coast

Updated March 15, 2012 16:38:15

Jim Magilton says he is not yet Melbourne Victory's full-time A-League coach, but he is speaking and spending as if he is.

Magilton has made his first signing for next season - Gold Coast wing-back Adama Traore - and admits he is making recommendations about the club's off-season retentions and transfer targets.

But the Victory are yet to officially confirm Magilton as full-time coach, though it is expected to be a done deal within a fortnight.

Already he is talking like a man on a promise - wanting the Victory to be in the running for any good available players.

And after 10 games for just one win, Magilton appears to have uncovered the coach-killers and they can expect to be shown the door by the Northern Irishman at season's end.

"That will be spoken about in the next couple of weeks," Magilton said of his vision for the club beyond its final two matches this season.

"It's the law of the jungle. Any club that wants to remain successful, there has to be an underbelly of ability or talent or quality coming through.

"It's an ongoing project. Each week they find out a bit about me and I find out more about them.

"Results dictate that you may have to make changes.

"We've reached the point where we have to bring in players to make us competitive again."

Traore, whose signing would appear to signal the departure of Brazilian Fabio and Socceroo Matthew Kemp, has agreed a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast player was top of Magilton's hit-list after proving himself one of the competition's best left backs in his three seasons at Gold Coast.

"He was a recommendation, I spoke to him, and the board have ratified the deal which is great, because I think he's a great player," Magilton said.

"When a player becomes available, I think it's important Melbourne Victory are in the hunt."

Traore, who played 67 matches and scored three goals for United, was delighted to move from the side who are unlikely to remain in the competition beyond the end of the current season..

"I'm excited to be moving to Melbourne Victory and look forward to taking the next step in my football career," Traore said.

"I'm very grateful to everyone at Gold Coast United and have made some good friends through some tough times, but I felt this opportunity was the right move for me."

The Victory are understood to be one of a number of clubs chasing teenage Gold Coast forward Ben Halloran, with Brisbane Roar the front-runners.

Halloran, one of few Gold Coast players contracted for next season, may become a free agent if United do not remain in the competition.

The Victory cannot make the finals, but will be looking to at least finish their disappointing season with a flourish in their last home match against finals-bound Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park on Friday night.

The Phoenix need just a draw to ensure a home final.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, melbourne-3000

First posted March 15, 2012 12:35:33

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Victory salvage Gold Coast draw

Updated February 25, 2012 23:31:51

Gold Coast's United's gutsy squad of youngsters drew 1-1 with the desperate Melbourne Victory at Skilled Park, as United's outspoken owner Clive Palmer again earned the ire of Football Federation Australia (FFA).

In a match played in torrential rain at times, Palmer caused a storm when he disobeyed an FFA directive for the players not to wear a strip bearing the provocative words "Freedom of Speech".

The slogan was also slapped on signage dotted around the Skilled Park pitch.

In quick response, the FFA formally advised the struggling United they were in material breach of their A-League club participation agreement as the slanging match between the sport's governing body and Palmer heated up.

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley says the organisation has considered cancelling the match but they did not want to let down fans and sponsors and decided to go ahead "despite GCU's conduct".

"I put Gold Coast United on notice that our decision to allow the match to proceed does not mean the breaches are waived," Buckley said in a statement issued on Saturday night.

The official sanction follows recent controversial comments made by billionaire mining magnate Palmer, who labelled the A-League a joke and says he prefers rugby league to soccer.

Buckley told Fox Sports during the half-time break that Palmer's latest actions were "disrespectful to the rest of the competition".

Asked about the FFA's next step in the matter, Buckley replied: "We'll look at that in the cool light of day - but they've clearly breached the participation agreement."

Needing a win to stay in the hunt for the finals with only five matches remaining and five points shy of sixth-placed Melbourne Heart, the Victory were not interested in politics in front of 2,109 fans who braved the atrocious conditions.

Gold Coast was on the back foot early when 19-year-old speed machine Ben Halloran was forced off the field in the 14th minute with a hip injury soon after being fouled in a crunching challenge by Victory midfielder Mark Milligan.

But despite playing their third match in eight days, United looked dangerous and created golden chances for Marceo Rigters and Zac Anderson in the first half on a slippery pitch.

In the 32nd minute, Victory star Harry Kewell, who scored two goals in last weekend's 3-2 loss to Brisbane Roar, had a cracking shot from just outside the box tipped away by goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson, who had a superb match.

The Victory were stunned in the 51st minute when Dutchman Rigters scored after some slick passing from Mitch Cooper and Jake Barker-Daish.

Just six minutes later, the visitors equalised through a clinical goal to Costa Rica's Carlos Hernandez, who drilled an Archie Thompson pass into the net.

Thompson had a gilt-edged opportunity to put Victory ahead in the 80th minute after rounding Zac Anderson but Tyson blocked his close-range shot.

At the post-match press conference United chief executive Clive Mensink outlined the the "Freedom of Speech" slogan was unrelated to football, inferring it applied to freedom of speech in general.

As for football, United coach Mike Mulvey says he is hopeful Halloran - the most fouled player in the competition - will be fit to take on Wellington Phoenix next weekend.

"We got him off at the right time," said Mulvey, who declined to comment on the FFA's sanctions against the club.

"The doctor said he could've given him an injection but I wasn't willing to take that risk."

Asked if Milligan's challenge deserved at least a yellow card, Mulvey said: "It's a man's game. He's got to learn to ride those challenges. He is fouled very often but that's because of the type of player he is."

Under-pressure Victory coach Jim Magilton says his men are still "bang in" with the chance to make the finals, despite taking just one point against a spirited United.

"It's a missed opportunity, there's no doubt about that, but we're still bang in it," the Northern Irishman said.

"We're going to go for it. We'll relish the opportunity of playing Newcastle (next Saturday at AAMI Park), who are again on the up."

Gold Coast United: 1 (M Rigters 51')

Melbourne Victory: 1 (C Hernandez 57')

AAP

Tags: soccer, a-league, sport, robina-4226

First posted February 25, 2012 21:51:31

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Heart pinch 1-0 win over Gold Coast

Updated February 17, 2012 23:59:48

After a bizarre week in which his A-League club was derided as a joke, Gold Coast United's billionaire owner Clive Palmer nearly became a comic genius on Friday night.

Instead his brave Gold Coast side lost 1-0 to Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park to a late Eli Babalj goal.

Mining magnate Palmer appointed 17-year-old first-gamer Mitch Cooper as his captain, suspended his coach Miron Bleiberg, then rolled out a virtual youth team to take on the Heart - and few gave the bottom-placed club any chance.

Instead, Palmer and hastily-promoted assistant coach Mike Mulvey nearly had the last laugh after their side produced a disciplined and stoic defensive effort to frustrate the Heart for much of a dour contest.

While the Heart had much of the possession, they lacked a cutting edge and it took a 79th minute goal from substitute Babalj to win the match for the Heart and resuscitate their finals hopes.

If Gold Coast came into the match as a joke, the Heart were hopelessly unfunny throughout the first 45 minutes.

Their best chance was a 30th minute sitter fluffed by midfielder Fred when unmarked six metres out.

After a first half so bad people were looking for a cure rather than a refreshment during the half-time break, Gold Coast nearly brought the match to life following the resumption when Golgol Mebrahtu fresh-aired a good chance.

A Ben Halloran shot on 51 minutes needed Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton to be alert.

Then the Heart made changes, brought on midfielder Matt Thompson and Babalj and settled into a better rhythm.

Gold Coast defender Adama Traore cleared a Simon Colosimo header off the line on 65 minutes as frustration levels started to rise, before Babalj was the beneficiary of a rare Coast defensive error.

A ball lost in the back third was quickly shuffled forward by the Heart, with Babalj on hand from close-range to finish.

It was the Heart's first win in nine games, and lifts them to fifth place.

Mulvey, renowned as one of Australia's best development coaches having brought through some of Queensland's best talent in recent years, was proud of his side's courageous showing.

His aim was for the team to attempt to play the ball out from the back, and was pleased with the response of his young charges - most of whom play under him in the National Youth League.

"It was a respectable performance. We're not leaving with nothing, we're leaving with a lot," Mulvey said.

"We've got some performances out of players that will stand them in good stead for the future, and we lost the game by trying to play football the right way, playing out from the back.

"I'd much rather lose a game that way than lumping it up the park and hoping for the best. We paid a big penalty for one slip but we'll take away a lot from this game."

The relief was visible from the Heart's players and coach John van 't Schip post-match after they opened a gap on seventh place - at least temporarily - with their win.

"The performance was not that bad at all, seeing the tension that was in this game with everyone expecting us to win," van 't Schip said.

Fred and young fullback Craig Goodwin were the Heart's best, while 21-year-old centre-half Zac Anderson was outstanding for Gold Coast.

Gold Coast's next match is at home on Wednesday night against competition leaders Central Coast Mariners, with the suspended Bleiberg's future still up in the air.

Melbourne Heart: 1 (E Babalj 79')

Gold Coast United: 0

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted February 17, 2012 21:59:57

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Phoenix down exhausted Gold Coast

Updated March 05, 2012 11:40:27

Gold Coast United's dramatic week ended with a 2-0 defeat to the Phoenix in Wellington on Sunday.

Recent draws against Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners had marked the youthful Gold Coast side as a team to respect despite their last place on the ladder and the turmoil and uncertainty of the past week.

It was not until late Friday night the United players knew they would even play the game, when the Queensland Supreme Court dismissed owner Clive Palmer's application for an injunction after Football Federation Australia revoked his A-League licence.

Wellington managed 14 shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes to Gold Coast's one, but only captain Andrew Durante's 28th minute goal separated the two teams at the break.

It took until the 92nd minute for Wellington to secure the win, Nick Ward's match-sealer coming as Gold Coast threw everything forward in search of a late equaliser.

The win lifts Wellington back to third on the A-League ladder and all but ensures the club a place in the finals.

Wellington coach Ricki Herbert said afterwards that the potential had been there for Gold Coast to derail the Phoenix's end-of-season finals run.

"This game had everything written across it to trip our season up, but it didn't," he said.

"It was pretty comfortable at the end, but there were a few heart flutters from time to time."

Gold Coast keeper Jerrad Tyson had to work hard almost from the first whistle.

Two excellent reflex saves - including a point-blank block of an early Durante header - kept the Phoenix at bay initially.

In the second half, Gold Coast had chances, mainly on the counter-attack, with Eritrea-born winger Golgol Mebrahtu unleashing a stinging shot that beat Phoenix keeper Mark Paston only to ricochet back off the upright.

The second goal was cruel on the Gold Coast defence who blocked a number of Phoenix efforts, prior to Ward finding the net.

After the goal a number of Gold Coast players collapsed to their knees in a combination of exhaustion and disappointment.

The match, in front of a crowd of 7,431, was crucial for the Phoenix, who have three tough games coming up, with away matches against the two Melbourne teams before a final home game against competition leader Central Coast.

Gold Coast coach Mike Mulvey was pleased with the way his young charges withstood the Wellington onslaught, particularly in the first spell, after a challenging week.

"Our performance was a little shaky in the first half, but in the second we played our football," he said.

"We've got a lot of young players who've been forced before their time to get a game, and they're learning. But the honeymoon period is over - it's a question now of learning how to win."

Durante paid tribute to Gold Coast's never-say-die attitude, and its last-quarter rally which kept the Phoenix under real pressure.

"They could have thrown the towel in, and it could have been an easy game," he said.

"I thought they were very good - they're a young team, and they tried to play some good football. But at the end of the day, the experience and stability of our team shone through."

Wellington: 2 (A Durante 28', N Ward 90')

Gold Coast: 0

ABC/AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, new-zealand

First posted March 04, 2012 16:58:33

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Beekmans released by A-League's Gold Coast

Updated January 30, 2012 16:04:50

Dutch midfielder Paul Beekmans has been released from his contract with A-League side Gold Coast United on compassionate grounds.

The United vice-captain has returned to Holland to be with a seriously ill family member.

Beekmans returned home earlier this month to be with his relatives and has told Gold Coast management he will remain there for the foreseeable future.

Gold Coast CEO Clive Mensink said the club was fully supportive of Beekmans' request and wished him well.

"We were contacted by Paul over the weekend and given the very difficult circumstances he faces with the illness in his family we have agreed to cease his commitments to the club," Mensink said.

"It is important that Paul remains in Holland so he can focus on what is a very unfortunate and distressing situation.

"Naturally, our thoughts and prayers are with Paul and his family. We are all thinking of him and wish him all the very best during what is an extremely difficult time."

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted January 30, 2012 16:04:50

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In-form Glory hammer Gold Coast

Updated February 07, 2012 06:51:26

Perth Glory have set a club record and took another step towards securing a top-four berth with a 4-0 thumping of A-League strugglers Gold Coast.

Goals to Glory trio Steven McGarry, Liam Miller and Travis Dodd sealed the result for Perth on Monday night, while a late own goal to Adama Traore only served to heighten the pain for Gold Coast, which remain anchored at the foot of the table.

In contrast, Perth's eighth unbeaten game on the trot - a club record - lifted Glory back to within two points of second-placed Wellington and one point of third-placed Brisbane.

And perhaps even more importantly, the gap between fourth-placed Perth and fifth-placed Heart is now a comfortable four points, putting the Glory firmly in the box seat to secure a home final.

Such was the one-sided nature of the match, Perth could have easily put eight goals past a hapless Gold Coast in front of 7,681 fans.

An unmarked McGarry capitalised on a glancing Steve Pantelidis header to score the opener in the 18th minute, but a second goal proved elusive for the remainder of the half as the home side spurned numerous opportunities.

Star striker Shane Smeltz, normally deadly in front of goal, was uncharacteristically wayward, clattering one attempt into the upright before fluffing two other chances with only the goalkeeper to beat.

In contrast to Perth's glut of chances, Gold Coast had to wait more than half an hour for its first real sight on goal, only for defender Ante Rozic to direct his free header well high of the target.

Perth was far more clinical in the second half, Miller doubling the lead in the 53rd minute after pouncing on a Dodd cross that Gold Coast failed to clear.

And Dodd made sure of the result in the 67th minute when he headed home Mile Sterjovski's pin-point corner.

Gold Coast's most clinical moment came in the 84th minute, when a diving Traore sent a bullet header into the back of his own net.

"It's obviously not a happy day for me," Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg said.

"It's hurt our pride as a club, hurt me as a coach and hurt the players. It will be a very unpleasant flight now. Hopefully we fall asleep and forget about it.

"I've never been here and lost 4-0.

"It was one of those days where you go to work and the boss screams at you, and then your car doesn't start, then your wife screams at you again and then the dog is sick and you have to take him to the vet. That was my day today."

Glory coach Ian Ferguson praised his team's performance.

"The first half, I thought we could have been easily two or three up, or even more," Ferguson said.

Perth Glory: 4 (McGarry 1', Miller 53', Dodd 67', Traore (OG) 84')

Gold Coast United: 0

AAP

Tags: soccer, a-league, perth-6000, robina-4226

First posted February 07, 2012 00:20:35

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Leaders Central Coast held by rivals

Updated January 14, 2012 22:42:55

Newcastle held runaway A-League leaders Central Coast to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling F3 derby at Gosford on Saturday.

Labinot Haliti put the visitors in front early in the match with the Mariners equalising in the second half through a Patrick Zwaanswijk header.

The Mariners extended their unbeaten run to 13 straight matches, with the draw leaving the club nine points clear of closest rivals Brisbane and Melbourne Heart.

The ninth-placed Jets picked up a valuable point to leave the visitors just a point outside the top six but coach Gary van Egmond admitted he was disappointed not to pick up a win after taking a lead.

"It feels a little bit like a loss because of the way the game panned out and we're pretty disappointed that we conceded off a set piece," van Egmond said.

"You come up against the team that's winning the comp and you play well, as I think we did the majority of the game, and you only get a point so it's a bit frustrating."

Newcastle looked strong in the opening half, creating chances early with Marko Jesic forcing Mariners' keeper Matthew Ryan into action with a shot just 10 minutes in.

It did not take long for the Jets to break the deadlock when a perfectly placed Jeremy Brockie cross found Haliti in the box who slotted home in the 17th minute for his third goal of the season.

The crowd of 10,904 erupted in the 23rd minute when lineswoman Allyson Flynn spotted what appeared to be a handball by the Jets' Nikolai Topor-Stanley in the box.

Despite replays showing a penalty should not have been given, referee Matt Gillett pointed to the spot.

Troy Hearfield stepped up to the mark but could not get it past Jets glovesman Ben Kennedy who made a flying stop.

Van Egmond admitted he would have been more upset had Kennedy not pulled off the fine save.

"I don't know where that came from but the penalty karma gods were with us so it was all good in the end," van Egmond said.

The host kept searching for the equaliser late in the half and had a chance when Olyroos skipper Oliver Bozanic played a superb ball right across the face of goal, but no one got on the end of it.

The visitor came back from the break looking to widen the gap and Brockie and Taylor Regan continued to cause problems for the usually impenetrable Mariners defence.

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold was on the attack in the second half changing his formation to a more aggressive 4-3-3 and it did not take long before the move paid off.

Hearfield played a cross to the waiting Bernie Ibini in the box, but the teen was just not quick enough to get to it before the Jets defence.

Only a minute later the Mariners levelled the score when Dutch import Zwaanswijk got on the end of a Bozanic corner, his 60th minute header at the near post squaring things up at 1-1.

Mariners: 1 (Zwaanswijk 60')

Jets: 1 (Haliti 17')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, gosford-2250, nsw, australia

First posted January 14, 2012 20:34:11

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Heart held by struggling Gold Coast

Updated January 08, 2012 22:19:58

A-League cellar dwellers Gold Coast United bravely fought out a 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart at Skilled Park.

The result saw Melbourne move into second spot on the ladder, but it was forced to play all of the second period without skipper Fred who limped off seven minutes before half-time.

The visitors took the lead after eight minutes when Kristian Sarkies' free kick deflected off the head of United's James Brown and bobbled beyond the reach of goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson.

It took until the 72nd minute for Gold Coast to reply, which ignited its relatively subdued supporters, who were offended during the week when owner Clive Palmer banned them from sitting behind goal for two matches due to crowd trouble in the recent game against Brisbane Roar.

Palmer put the fans on notice after the Boxing Day clash when flares were ignited, a brawl erupted outside the ground and a Brisbane-bound train, with Roar supporters, was stopped by the driver and police summoned.

The hosts' equaliser came after a wide cross from Paul Beekmans found Kristian Rees who had parked himself out the back of a swarm of players gathered in front of goal.

Rees' firm strike was back-heeled in by team-mate Maceo Rigters on the goalline.

United then had a number of quality chances to win the match with Beekman's 74th-minute volley slamming against a post and then teasingly rolling across the face of goal.

There was also a stronger police presence in and outside of the ground although it was far from warranted with the crowd of 2,081 being the lowest at the venue for the season.

The draw was a fitting result for United who toiled hard and created several more quality chances against a side sitting in the top three.

Heart coach John van't Schip says Fred aggravated his troublesome groin and will be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks, which was a blow to their attacking structure.

"It's the same (injury) as he did in the Sydney game," van't Schip said.

"He will be out for a few weeks."

Van't Schip says the Heart were fortunate to sneak away with a competition point when they could easily have lost.

He praised the work of goalkeeper Clint Bolton for several desperate saves.

"We gave away too much away - set pieces, free kicks," van't Schip said.

"We were happy to have a point in the end ... he (Bolton) was very important on our team."

United coach Miron Bleiberg says his side did enough in the second half to win and they need to gain maximum points or they will wallow at the bottom.

He says he berated his players at half-time for a lacklustre opening 45 minutes but stopped short of the public spray Roar coach Ange Postecoglou recently gave his players following a 3-3 draw in Perth.

"One point is not good enough," Bleiberg said.

"They were better in the first half and at half time I let my players know.

"Not in the Ange Postecoglou way, but I let them know."

Gold Coast United: 1 (M Rigters 72')

Melbourne Heart: 1 (K Sarkies 8')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, qld, australia, melbourne-3000, vic

First posted January 08, 2012 21:17:36

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Jeffers to miss Gold Coast clash

Updated January 02, 2012 14:06:30

Newcastle Jets striker Francis Jeffers will miss Wednesday's A-League clash with Gold Coast United due to an ankle injury.

Jeffers will undergo scans but it's hoped he will be back available for the Jets trip to Melbourne Victory on Saturday.

The England international rolled his ankle after scoring in the 1-1 draw with Perth on New Year's Eve.

The 30-year-old former Arsenal and Everton player had an action-packed cameo, coming on in the 56th minute, scoring six minutes later and hobbling off four minutes after the goal due to a collision with goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.

Midfielder Kasey Wehrman, who delivered the pass for Jeffers to head home against the Glory, said it's a shame to lose the marksman.

"Missing him is a big blow ... I thought if he stayed on the pitch the other night for the last 20 minutes, we probably would have won the game," he said.

"I think he's just a bit bruised and battered and we're hopeful he's only out for a week."
AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia

First posted January 02, 2012 14:03:51

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Gold Coast, Sydney play out draw

Updated December 11, 2011 20:07:23

Sydney and Gold Coast both missed gilt-edged chances as their grudge match at Skilled Park ended in a 0-0 draw in front of a paltry crowd of less than 3,000.

Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg had made it clear before the clash he wanted redemption for United's 3-2 loss in Sydney in round five.

Bleiberg was hit with a $5,000 fine when he suggested the referee that day had favoured Sydney who snatched a win with a 93rd-minute strike.

This time it was referee Ben Williams' turn to be the centre of attention.

Williams had his hand in his pocket as much as he had his whistle in his mouth, dishing out nine yellow cards - seven of them to Sydney players.

Frustration and emotion boiled over in the 81st minute when Williams booked Michael Beauchamp and Gold Coast rival James Brown from a confrontation where players from both sides charged to their assistance.

Gold Coast forward Maceo Rigters should have scored in the 44th minute after a beautiful ball from Ben Halloran left him with only goalkeeper Liam Ready to beat.

However, his failed attempt was not nearly as bad as that by Sydney's Karol Kisel who missed from inside the six-yard box following a lovely cross from Shannon Cole.

Heavy rain swept across Skilled Park 30 minutes before kick off but the pitch was barely affected.

The second smallest crowd of the season, 2984, had little to cheer in the first half but the excitement picked up considerably in the final 30 minutes when both sides went all out in attack.

Reddy had a strong game for Sydney FC with a number of big saves.

His rival Glen Moss was also very solid, tipping a Kisel 30-metre missile over the bar eight minutes into the second half.

Gold Coast were coming off a run of five straight losses and are anchored to the bottom of the A-League table.

Gold Coast United: 0

Sydney FC: 0

AAP

Tags: soccer, sport, robina-4226

First posted December 11, 2011 20:07:23

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Glory take all three from Gold Coast

Updated December 04, 2011 00:37:05

Gold Coast United had nobody but themselves to blame for a fifth straight defeat after conceding two needless penalties in the Glory's 2-0 victory at Perth Oval.

United remained bottom of the A-League table with just five points from nine matches, the result sure to enhance the pressure on coach Miron Bleiberg.

It was a lacklustre and ill-disciplined Gold Coast in hot conditions in Perth.

They conceded 16 free kicks throughout the contest and two needless penalties saw the Glory secure the win.

The Glory welcomed the leg-up, having come into the match on the back of four loses from their last five appearances following a three-win start to the campaign.

They opened the scoring when a 19th-minute handball from a corner by Zach Anderson led to Mile Sterjovski's successful penalty shot.

Then a poor challenge by Dylan McAllister on Andrezinho saw Shane Smeltz slot a penalty in the 52nd minute to secure the Glory's win.

Anderson's night got even worse soon after for Gold Coast when he put in another crude challenge on Andrezinho that saw him earn a second yellow card to leave his team a man down for the last 30 minutes.

The first-half penalty summed up a lacklustre night.

From a corner, Anderson needlessly lifted his arm while under no pressure and the ball cannoned into it.

In just his third appearance and second start of the season for the Glory, Sterjovski scored the goal from the penalty and it capped off a solid showing for him hot on the heels of the birth of his third child, Lilly Veronica at 3:00am on Friday.

The former Socceroo showed he still has plenty to offer at A-League level, his penalty capping an solid performance before he came off in the 70th minute.

Perth Glory: 2 (M Sterjovski 20' (pen), S Smeltz 52' (pen))

Gold Coast United: 0

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, perth-6000, wa, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted December 04, 2011 00:05:28

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Bleiberg not worried about Gold Coast job

Updated December 04, 2011 13:41:07

Despite yet another largely dispirited showing from his side in a 2-0 loss in Perth on Saturday night, Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg is not feeling the pressure.

Gold Coast remains anchored to the bottom of the A-League table after a 2-0 loss to the Glory, who had lost four of their past five games.

The manner of the loss was as alarming as the score. United literally handed the hosts the win.

There were two avoidable penalties, with Zach Anderson's 19th minute blunder the most baffling.

With no opponent near him, Anderson put both hands up in the air and the ball did nothing but bang straight into his outstretched arms.

For Bleiberg that summed up the problems of having a young and inexperienced team.

But despite his charges' sixth loss for the season, Bleiberg is not concerned about his job security - largely because owner Clive Palmer played a hand in constructing the team.

"We are paying the price obviously for going with young players and there are no miracles, but that's the decisions of the club," Bleiberg said.

"I am employed by the club and if Clive decides to go with the youngsters, I don't tell him no. That's life and we are going with the youngsters.

"Every few years as a coach you have a year where nothing works for you. This is my year but how the year is ending or whatever, there is no pressure because I am talking to Clive.

"That's it. Life is as normal. In my case, I think it is an irrelevant question at the moment.

"Do I want to continue to work with these youngsters? Yes.

"Do I believe that we can turn the corner? I believe that we can do it this year.

"There's no pressure, nothing."

Bleiberg restrained himself from blasting Anderson, who compounded his mistake with a careless challenge in the 62nd minute on Glory's Andrezinho to earn his second yellow card.

"It was the most obvious penalty you can ever see," Bleiberg said.

"I think maybe he thought he played for Fremantle Aussie Rules. Honestly it was strange, but that's it.

"Zach didn't play bad. (But) him not playing bad still cost a red card and penalty.

"So what can you do, do you shoot him? No. I'm not abusing him or throwing a vacuum cleaner or bottle at him.

"If I scream at him, it makes him think about my scream. Instead let it eat it from himself inside and he won't do it anymore. That's my philosophy and psychology."

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted December 04, 2011 13:41:07

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Coast shoots down Jets

Updated October 30, 2011 20:32:40

Gold Coast United marksman Maceo Rigters proved he is a budding superstar with the clinching goal in his side's 3-1 win over Newcastle at Skilled Park.

The Dutch import turned heads as United finally broke its season drought to move from last to fourth on the A-League ladder.

Red tape did something ahead of the A-League season that few rivals look set to pull off on the paddock this season - it stopped Rigters.

His visa clearance was finally given the green light last weekend, but he still walked off the paddock a frustrated man on A-League debut after United was knocked off 3-0 by the all-conquering Brisbane Roar despite plenty of Rigters pressure.

But there were no complaints on Sunday after he launched a stunning 12th minute strike that paved the way for United's season-opening victory at Skilled Park - and served notice to the rest of the competition.

Indeed Rigters was an ever-present threat for United which led 1-0 at half-time before Kristian Rees (58th minute) and the equally dangerous James Brown (83rd) sealed the result after Newcastle captain Jobe Wheelhouse (68th) kept the hosts honest in the second half.

It was a morale boosting victory for United, which had just two points to show for its opening three games before lining up against a rejuvenated Jets outfit.

Indeed Newcastle looked set to rack up yet another high-profile scalp on the glitter strip on Sunday after 2008 premiership-winning coach Gary van Egmond officially took over the Jets reins this weekend.

But the Jets were no match for a United side inspired by Rigters in the first half.

United coach Miron Bleiberg could not hide his joy after early wooden spoon favourites Gold Coast jumped from the bottom of the ladder with their convincing win.

"We have had better moments in the previous three games that we have played but that is football," he said.

"Sometimes you play good and don't get the accolades and vice versa.

"But I told everyone we are starting the game at the bottom of the ladder and this is a home desperation game.

"Luckily we were ahead 1-0 due to the magician Maceo and then we had a much better second half."

And Bleiberg boasted that the likes of Dutch imports Rigters and the impressive Paul Beekmans would only get better.

"After such a long pre-season we have started like lions out of a cage but the European players are sometimes shellshocked (when starting A-League," he said.

"They will get better as the year goes along.

"And Maceo Rigters - if you ask anyone in Holland everyone knows him.

"So he is a big name and can only improve."

Van Egmond tried to take the result on the chin after officially taking up the reins following Newcastle's chaotic season start in which its head coach Branko Culina and his son - marquee player Jason - were sacked days before the season kick-off.

"It is still a work in progress. But credit to the Gold Coast, they impressed us," van Egmond said.

Gold Coast: 3 (M Ritgers 11', K Rees 58', J Brown 84')

Newcastle: 1 (J Wheelhouse 67')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, qld, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia

First posted October 30, 2011 19:00:57

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Import backs Gold Coast to topple Roar

Updated October 18, 2011 17:21:19

He has not been officially cleared for his A-League debut yet but Dutch striker Maceo Rigters is already talking up Gold Coast's chances of halting Brisbane's 30-match unbeaten streak on Friday night.

Paperwork is the only thing standing between the 27-year-old Amsterdam-born Rigters and his debut against the Roar and he edged a step closer on Tuesday with news his visa clearance had finally arrived from the United Kingdom.

A strong, powerful striker, Rigters celebrated his good news by warning the ladder-topping Roar his side had the "attacking quality" to bring the A-League's best unbeaten streak to a screaming halt at Lang Park.

"We have many weapons in the front line, different players who have different qualities, so that's good for us in terms of the variety of attacks we can put together," said Rigters, the golden boot winner at the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championships.

"Any time you play a neighbour, the game has an added incentive.

"Nobody on the Gold Coast will want to lose this game and we will all be giving everything to make sure we come away with the points."

The one-time Blackburn Rovers signing said he was looking forward to making his A-League debut in such a big local derby.

"It's always nice to play in these big games," he said, confident Football Federation Australia would issue his clearance in time to play on Friday night.

"They (Roar) haven't lost in 30 games and we want to be the ones who break that record."

The Roar had a glimpse of Rigters when he was trialing for an A-League contract with Wellington Phoenix before Gold Coast swooped to pick him up.

He scored Wellington's only goal in the 5-1 loss and word is he is a lot fitter and faster after losing a fair amount of weight under United coach Miron Bleiberg.

Brisbane central defender Ivan Franjic, who did a tremendous job smothering star Sydney FC recruit Brett Emerton last weekend, said whether or not Rigters made his A-League debut would not worry the Roar.

"We played him when he was trialing pre-season with Wellington and he's very strong," said Franjic.

"If he plays, he plays. We'll just have to beat what's in front of us."

Gold Coast has opened the season with two draws but again the confident Rigters believes it should have already notched a win.

"I just want to be on the pitch and do my best to help the team get some more points," he said about the possibility he could finally contribute this weekend.

"We've played well in the two games but we should have at least four points instead of two so, hopefully, I can be a factor in the games coming up."

It would be a memorable debut if he could help United end the most successful streak in A-League history.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, brisbane-4000, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted October 18, 2011 17:11:21

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Coast shoots down Jets

Updated October 30, 2011 20:32:40

Gold Coast United marksman Maceo Rigters proved he is a budding superstar with the clinching goal in his side's 3-1 win over Newcastle at Skilled Park.

The Dutch import turned heads as United finally broke its season drought to move from last to fourth on the A-League ladder.

Red tape did something ahead of the A-League season that few rivals look set to pull off on the paddock this season - it stopped Rigters.

His visa clearance was finally given the green light last weekend, but he still walked off the paddock a frustrated man on A-League debut after United was knocked off 3-0 by the all-conquering Brisbane Roar despite plenty of Rigters pressure.

But there were no complaints on Sunday after he launched a stunning 12th minute strike that paved the way for United's season-opening victory at Skilled Park - and served notice to the rest of the competition.

Indeed Rigters was an ever-present threat for United which led 1-0 at half-time before Kristian Rees (58th minute) and the equally dangerous James Brown (83rd) sealed the result after Newcastle captain Jobe Wheelhouse (68th) kept the hosts honest in the second half.

It was a morale boosting victory for United, which had just two points to show for its opening three games before lining up against a rejuvenated Jets outfit.

Indeed Newcastle looked set to rack up yet another high-profile scalp on the glitter strip on Sunday after 2008 premiership-winning coach Gary van Egmond officially took over the Jets reins this weekend.

But the Jets were no match for a United side inspired by Rigters in the first half.

United coach Miron Bleiberg could not hide his joy after early wooden spoon favourites Gold Coast jumped from the bottom of the ladder with their convincing win.

"We have had better moments in the previous three games that we have played but that is football," he said.

"Sometimes you play good and don't get the accolades and vice versa.

"But I told everyone we are starting the game at the bottom of the ladder and this is a home desperation game.

"Luckily we were ahead 1-0 due to the magician Maceo and then we had a much better second half."

And Bleiberg boasted that the likes of Dutch imports Rigters and the impressive Paul Beekmans would only get better.

"After such a long pre-season we have started like lions out of a cage but the European players are sometimes shellshocked (when starting A-League," he said.

"They will get better as the year goes along.

"And Maceo Rigters - if you ask anyone in Holland everyone knows him.

"So he is a big name and can only improve."

Van Egmond tried to take the result on the chin after officially taking up the reins following Newcastle's chaotic season start in which its head coach Branko Culina and his son - marquee player Jason - were sacked days before the season kick-off.

"It is still a work in progress. But credit to the Gold Coast, they impressed us," van Egmond said.

Gold Coast: 3 (M Ritgers 11', K Rees 58', J Brown 84')

Newcastle: 1 (J Wheelhouse 67')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, qld, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia

First posted October 30, 2011 19:00:57

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Import backs Gold Coast to topple Roar

Updated October 18, 2011 17:21:19

He has not been officially cleared for his A-League debut yet but Dutch striker Maceo Rigters is already talking up Gold Coast's chances of halting Brisbane's 30-match unbeaten streak on Friday night.

Paperwork is the only thing standing between the 27-year-old Amsterdam-born Rigters and his debut against the Roar and he edged a step closer on Tuesday with news his visa clearance had finally arrived from the United Kingdom.

A strong, powerful striker, Rigters celebrated his good news by warning the ladder-topping Roar his side had the "attacking quality" to bring the A-League's best unbeaten streak to a screaming halt at Lang Park.

"We have many weapons in the front line, different players who have different qualities, so that's good for us in terms of the variety of attacks we can put together," said Rigters, the golden boot winner at the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championships.

"Any time you play a neighbour, the game has an added incentive.

"Nobody on the Gold Coast will want to lose this game and we will all be giving everything to make sure we come away with the points."

The one-time Blackburn Rovers signing said he was looking forward to making his A-League debut in such a big local derby.

"It's always nice to play in these big games," he said, confident Football Federation Australia would issue his clearance in time to play on Friday night.

"They (Roar) haven't lost in 30 games and we want to be the ones who break that record."

The Roar had a glimpse of Rigters when he was trialing for an A-League contract with Wellington Phoenix before Gold Coast swooped to pick him up.

He scored Wellington's only goal in the 5-1 loss and word is he is a lot fitter and faster after losing a fair amount of weight under United coach Miron Bleiberg.

Brisbane central defender Ivan Franjic, who did a tremendous job smothering star Sydney FC recruit Brett Emerton last weekend, said whether or not Rigters made his A-League debut would not worry the Roar.

"We played him when he was trialing pre-season with Wellington and he's very strong," said Franjic.

"If he plays, he plays. We'll just have to beat what's in front of us."

Gold Coast has opened the season with two draws but again the confident Rigters believes it should have already notched a win.

"I just want to be on the pitch and do my best to help the team get some more points," he said about the possibility he could finally contribute this weekend.

"We've played well in the two games but we should have at least four points instead of two so, hopefully, I can be a factor in the games coming up."

It would be a memorable debut if he could help United end the most successful streak in A-League history.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, brisbane-4000, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted October 18, 2011 17:11:21

View the original article here