GCC Hold Young Roar To Draw
Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Aaron Cooper
Images: Andrew Shaw
Gold Coast City extended their unbeaten league run to nine matches after holding off a fast-finishing Brisbane Roar Youth 1-1 at Cleveland Showgrounds.
City opened accounts through Rhys Saunders shortly after the half-hour but were immediately pulled back via Joseph Champness’ equaliser.
From thereon though defenders held sway despite Young Roar dominated the chances in the second stanza.
The result continues Young Roar's unbeaten home record in 2016 but could see the drop as low as ninth based on other results in the round.
Meanwhile, City will remain on the cusp of a return to the top four for another week.
Key Moments
34’ - GOAL FOR CITY - The ball is given away cheaply to Rhys Saunders who breaks through one-on-one with Young Roar goalkeeper Andre Jannese and tucks away a well-struck finish
37’ - GOAL FOR YOUNG ROAR - Shannon Brady climbs high and heads from the back post to the goal-mouth where Champness buries the volley from point-blank range
51’ - CHANCE FOR YOUNG ROAR - Nathan Konstandopoulos drives a well-struck shot from distance by City goalkeeper Shane Viitakangas makes a comfortable save
72’ – CHANCE FOR YOUNG ROAR – Viitakangas misjudges his charge to collect a corner and Cameron Crestani heads toward goal only to be foiled on the line by defender Jordon Lampard
77’ – CHANCE FOR YOUNG ROAR – A curling effort from Jayden Prasad from outside the penalty area fades wide of the target
83’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – A solid headed attempt from Riley Dillon forces a scrambling save from Jannese
87’ – CHANCE FOR YOUNG ROAR – Konstandopoulos breaks in the penalty area before crossing for Daniel Leck, but his header flies high of the target
What They Said
"I thought we did enough to win that football game. I've been pretty pleased about how we've been going about our business and our structures. At half time, we spoke a little a bit about our press and the boys took that information on really well.” – Josh McCloughan, Brisbane Roar FC Youth coach
"We had to defend a lot in the second half and we gave the ball away a fair bit, probably because we were quite tired. There were good things, and some things that we need to work on. It was pleasing that we stuck to the task under a lot of pressure." – Grae Piddick, Gold Coast City FC coach
Match Details
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 10
Saturday, May 14
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City
Brisbane Roar FC Youth – 1 (Joseph CHAMPNESS 37’)
Gold Coast City FC – 1 (Rhys SAUNDERS 34’)
CLICK HERE for the official Match Centre
Match Officials - Matt SKINNER (referee), Patrick DWYER (assistant), Brad BURTON (assistant), Cameron FAWCETT (fourth)
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