NPLM Round #9: United Make Late Comeback

OUR LIONS MEN FELL VICTIM TO A LATE COMEBACK AGAINST GOLD COAST UNITED IN TALLEBUDGERA

We traded blows (and bangers) in a fast-paced clash on the road, falling to a 3-2 defeat on the night.

Our Lions Men started effectively, controlling possession in the final third while looking to break down the host’s defence. Despite controlling the ball and creating several openings, Gold Coast United caught us on the counter and took the lead at the quarter-hour mark.

Jack Skinner responded immediately, drawing us level two minutes later with a brilliant strike from the left side of the box. Darting into space, he drilled a vicious shot into the top left corner, connecting with both sides of the woodwork before crossing the line.

We came close to breaking the deadlock, with Jack Skinner attempting a downward volley at the back post and forcing a diving save. Luke Borean was called on to do the same down the opposite end, making a quick save with an outstretched foot at his near post.

Matt Ridenton forced a lunging save with a powerful freekick, but neither side could claim the lead as we entered the interval at 1-1.

We started the second half with the same attacking intent, breaking the deadlock after five minutes through Joe Duckworth. A piercing first-time strike from thirty yards nestled into the bottom right corner to put our Lions ahead for the first time on the night.

With fifteen minutes remaining, our lead was erased as Kai Tipaldo stunned us with a captivating bicycle kick from the centre of the box. A game defined by sensational goals thus far.

Five minutes later, Gold Coast United reclaimed the lead, pressing us deep into our half before recovering the ball and slipping behind to break the deadlock.

Despite a valiant effort to equalise, we were unable to find the back of the net for a third time as the hosts held on for a hard-fought win.