Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Mark Guy
Images: Duncan McKenna

Gold Coast City overcame the disappointment of their midweek Westfield FFA Cup exit to see off Olympic FC 2-1 at Duncan McKenna Field.

The visitors started brightly as they sought to impress new coach Terry Kirkham but were soon on the back foot as Jarrod Kyle and Justyn McKay struck twice prior to the half-hour.

The hosts spurned several chances to seal the win before half-time, however Olympic could only take advantage of the let off in the final minutes via a consolation goal to Scott Bow – his first of the campaign.

The result furthers City’s run of form to eight matches without defeat in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues and lifts the club into fourth place, edging ahead of Brisbane City on goal difference.

For Olympic the defeat follows a humbling elimination from the Westfield FFA Cup on Wednesday and sees the former powerhouse remain second from bottom in the league standings.

Key Moments

10’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – winger Youeil Shol sends in a skidding shot from 15 yards but City goalkeeper Shane Viitakangas gets down low to make the save

19’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Ramone Close has a chance to open accounts from 18 yards but is foiled by Viitakangas

24’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Ben Litfin prevails in a scrappy battle for possession before squeezing a pass into Jarrod Kyle, who makes no mistake with the finish from close range

27’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Shol is released down the right flank but cannot win the one-on-one against Viitakangas, who makes himself big to block the effort

31’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Justyn McKay hits a sensational dipping half-volley from 25 yards out that leaves Olympic goalkeeper Nicholas Mooney no chance of a save

41’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Jarrod Kyle has the opportunity to put the match to bed but is denied by a solid double save by Mooney

43’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Rhys Saunders steals possession high upfield and bears down on Mooney one-on-one, but the gloveman makes the save to keep his side in the contest

47’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Close lines up a stinging left-footed effort from right in front but its palmed away by Viitkangas

60’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Roman Hofmann hits a crisp cross in for McKay but his powerful header is saved by Mooney

89’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Rhys Duncan and McKay combine in the build-up before Duncan whips in the cross for the unmarked Jason Campbell but his effort is saved by Mooney

90+2’ – GOAL FOR OLYMPIC – a second phase corner sees the ball fed back into the penalty area where Scott Bow smashes home on the volley for a consolation goal

What They Said

“We didn’t get that third to kill it off, so it was always in the balance. And, again, we didn’t get a clean sheet. So there’s plenty for us to work on but also plenty of pleasing things going forward.“ – Grae Piddick, Gold Coast City FC coach

“We’re miles away. The club has lost some senior players – when you look at the list from January to now it is completely different. There are a lot of quality players not available through injury and we certainly have a long way to go.“ – Terry Kirkham, Olympic FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 9

Sunday, May 1
Duncan McKenna Field, Gold Coast

Gold Coast City FC – 2 (Jarrod KYLE 24', Justyn MCKAY 31')
Olympic FC – 1 (Scott BOW 90+2’)

CLICK HERE for the official Match Centre

Match Officials – Ashley STOUT (referee), Mitchell MILLER (assistant), Thomas CULLANE (assistant), Sam OSBOURNE (fourth)