GCC Edge Brisbane City On Penalties
Words: Michael Flynn
Two crucial saves from goalkeeper Shane Viitakangas saw Gold Coast City defeat Brisbane City in a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw in the BLK Silver Boot on Friday night.
Both sides held the lead at different stages of the see-sawing contest but couldn’t be separated in regular time – Gold Coast midfielder Ben Litfin ultimately delivering the match-winning spot-kick.
Early attacking raids from both sides went unrewarded before Brisbane City opened accounts midway through the first half – an unmarked Scot Coulson hammering a close range finish at the back post from Greg King's cross.
However, Gold Coast replied just minutes later when Lyndon Dykes also converted from close range after being picked out by Alex McCracken at the near post.
Further chances forced crucial saves from Viitakangas and Brisbane City goalkeeper Tim Allen prior to half time, before Allen again proved resilient after finding himself under siege shortly after the restart.
Gold Coast edged ahead for the first time approaching the final quarter hour when Rhys Saunders placed a firm finish form the edge of the box - his second goal of the tournament.
But parity was restored in dramatic fashion with five minutes remaining when Samuel Sibatuara pounced on a deflected free-kick from King to force the match to penalties.
Ultimately, the result was decided by a pair of crucial stops from Viitakangas - the long-limbed Gold Coast goalkeeper proving up to task to deny attempts from Antonio Murray and Jayke Cuschieri.
The result sees Gold Coast top of their group ahead of the final group stage match next Friday but still within reach of Brisbane City in the hunt for a place in the pre-season competition’s knock-out stage.
Gold Coast City continue their pre-season on Saturday against Brisbane Premier League outfit Peninsula Power in the Macron Cup.
Both Gold Coast and Brisbane City will then face further Brisbane Premier League opposition in the final group match of the BLK Silver Boot against Albany Creek Excelsior and Capalaba FC, respectively.
BLK Silver Boot 2016 - Group C
Friday, January 29
Lions Stadium, Brisbane
Brisbane City FC 2 (Scot COULSON 26’, Samuel SIBATUARA 85’)
Gold Coast City FC 2 (Lyndon DYKES 31’, Rhys SAUNDERS 74’)
Gold Coast City win 4-2 on penalties
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