Points shared with Jets
Shane Smeltz the goalscorer for Gold Coast United against the Jets (photo – Sportspics)
The points were shared in a tight contest at Coplick Family Sports Park last night in the Rd22 National Premier Leagues Queensland contest between the home side, Gold Coast United FC and the visiting Moreton Bay United FC.
The afternoon got off to an ordinary start for United left back Tyler Wagstaffe, who tweaked his hamstring in the warm-up and handed new signing, Justin Micallef (24), his starting debut. Micallef joins United after his stint at Senglea Athletic in the Maltese Premier League was cut short by the Corona virus. A product of the Central Coast, Justin played for the likes of Broadmeadow Magic and Maitland FC in the Northern NSW NPL and in Sydney for Parramatta FC.
Shane Smeltz opened the scoring for United on the 15th minute mark calmly slotting from the spot past a diving Bertrum Speirs in the Jets goal, Smeltz’s fifth for season 2020.
More misfortune shortly after however when United’s influential midfielder Justyn Mckay was forced from the field with an ankle injury. That change saw Byron Bay teenager, Zahi Addis (17), make his debut off the bench. The left footed defender showed no signs of nerves, defending well and making plenty of incisive runs forward.
Zahi Addis (17) in action during his debut off the bench for Gold Coast United against Moreton Bay United FC (photo – Sportspics)
The first half saw both sides hit the woodwork and both keepers produce some fine saves with Speirs the busier of the two until stoppage time when Aidan Munford could do little about a fine strike from Lachie Strogusz who squared things up for the Jets in the 47th minute.
The second half was an arm wrestle with the Jets high, compact press squeezing United wide who countered through Cian Cuba and Zander Guy looking threatening on the wings. Both teams had their chances, Guy came closest for United when his stinging left foot shot struck the underside of the crossbar and somehow stayed out. At the other end Munford produced some fine saves to keep the scores level until full time.
Plenty of good signs from both sides, midfielder Linden Farr a standout for the visitors and central defender Junya Yabe once again impressing for United.