United fall to Pride

Conor Smith in action against Western Pride / Chris SImpson

 

 

 

Western Pride ran out comfortable 3-1 winners over Gold Coast United at Station Reserve last night to consolidate their position in the top four.

The home side were looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats but their chances were hampered by some ill-discipline early which saw Tommy Torzsok dismissed inside 25 minutes. Pride capitalised on the numerical advantage and scored soon after courtesy of a calm finish inside the box from Daniel Mchenery. One nil to the visitors at half time.

United started the second half brightly pushing forward but fell further behind when some unfortunate miscommunication at the back gifted Mitchell Bird a goal seven minutes into the second half. Pride’s lead was extended after smart lead up play saw Adam Endean score past Eligh Williams.

United continued to push forward and with time left on the clock scored what would prove to be a consolation goal, Brandon Reeves on the spot after a JJ Prasad strike had hit the post.

Any chance of further United pressure evaporated when Declan Bingham was shown a straight red for a clumsy, late challenge, inside the last ten minutes.

 

Coach Sean Lane was left to lament his side’s inability to keep eleven players on the pitch yet again, but was quick to praise the effort his squad showed under testing circumstances against a strong Pride outfit.

“Going down to 10 men against a good side was always going to be a struggle but the boys were superb,” Lane said.

“There have been games this year that I’ve been disappointed in how we’ve played but I couldn’t fault their commitment, desire and endeavour.

“Everyone dug in and played their part.”

 

Next up the league leaders, Lions FC, visit Station Reserve in another test for the United youngsters. Lane remains excited by the challenge of the coming weeks.

“We will approach each game as the same as tonight,” Lane said.

“Every game is ‘winnable’, we just need to be able to keep 11 players on the pitch. That will be a good starting point.”

 

National Premier Leagues, Rd 22
Saturday, July 29, 2018
Robina Station Reserve

Gold Coast United            1 (Reeves 76’)
Western Pride                   3 (McHenery 34’, Bird 52’, Endean 66’)