GCC Win On Penalties…Again!
Words: Michael Flynn
Gold Coast City triumphed in their second penalty shoot-out in two days following a see-sawing 3-3 battle with Peninsula Power in the Macron Cup on Saturday.
Brothers Morgan and Rhys Saunders shared all three goals for City in regular time before Mori Kone ultimately delivered the decisive blow from the penalty spot.
The youthful City side fell behind early in the second half but mounted an impressive fightback to take the points against the tournament hosts and defending Brisbane Premier League Champions.
City started the brightly and grasped an early lead when Morgan Saunders pounced on an error from veteran Power goalkeeper Antony Hall trying to play out from the back.
Power replied approaching the half-hour via Charles Mendy - the Frenchman rounding City goalkeeper Lucas Chicco to set-up a simple finish.
Despite further chances for City the teams remained locked at the interval before Kado Aoci pounced shortly after the restart on a fumble from Chicco to edge Power ahead.
Power failed to make the most of their chances to double their lead prior to the hour and City ultimately took advantage when Rhys Saunders delivered his second goal in two days – his strong finish benefitting from a slight deflection to beat Hall.
A swerving shot from Morgan Saunders rounded out his brace and restored City’s advantage with ten minutes remaining.
However, Aoci dramatically struck again with the next to last kick of the contest to secure his third goal of the tournament and force the match to penalties.
Unable to be separated after the first three attempts, the result was ultimately decided by a miss – Swain’s penalty striking the crossbar to enable Kone to seal the win with the final kick of the shoot-out.
City continue their pre-season campaign in the BLK Silver Boot on Friday against Albany Creek Excelsior.
Macron Cup 2016
Saturday, January 30
A.J.Kelly Park, Moreton Bay
Peninsula Power FC 3 (Charles MENDY 26’, Kado AOCI 48’ 90+2’)
Gold Coast City FC 3 (Morgan SAUNDERS 15’ 80’, Rhys SAUNDERS 70’)
Gold Coast City win 4-3 on penalties
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