Three points on the road!
Dani Wise opened the scoring against SWQ Thunder, the first of two goals for the new signing on debut (photo DSL Photography)
A storming second half in Toowoomba sealed three points on the road for Gold Coast United. Trailing by a goal at the turn, Bella Habuda and Danielle Wise both scored braces in the second half, with Bronti Hodgkinson adding the fifth to round out a 5-1 victory.
The Women travelled ‘up the range’ missing Dee Thompson, who sits out more Football Queensland #NPLW matches below the border and below the ‘corona bubble’ and without influential midfielder Eash Norrie, who was rested. New signing Wise and 15 year old goalkeeper, Amber Wilkinson, made their starting debuts for United who were uncharacteristically slow out of the blocks, but stuck to the game plan to turn things around in the second half.
After the game coach Alex Bundalo singled out Wise for a special mention, a player of the match performance from the striker.
“Dani was excellent on debut.”
“She’ll be a great fit for the club both as a person and player and in my opinion will prove to be a prolific goal-scoring striker.”
“She can hit the ball with both feet, is excellent at dropping into midfield to receive ball and turn opponents, has excellent awareness around goal and an excellent turn of speed.
“I can already see her, Bella, Ki and Ayeisha striking up some clever combinations in the front third.”
Kudos also from the coach for Amber Wilkinson, the second teenage shot-stopper to make a starting debut in goals for the Women this season. Both Wilkinson and Amalia Jobson got their chance to don the gloves with regular keeper Cassie Zaffina on the injured list but likely to return in next Sunday’s blockbuster against current league leaders and defending premiers and champions, Lions FC.
Next game – Gold Coast United FC v Lions FC
Sunday 23 August, Coplicks Family Sports Park, 3pm kick-off