Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Mark Guy
Image: Chris Simpson

Both Gold Coast City and Western Pride let the lead slip as the two sides drew 3-3 in a see-sawing affair at Duncan McKenna Field.

City overcame an early injury to goalkeeper Shane Viitakangas to storm to a two goal advantage inside quarter of an hour courtesy of Jarrod Kyle and Rhys Saunders.

Pride mounted an unlikely fightback as Joseph Duckworth halved the deficit prior to the break, before Bonventure Thomas-Remijo and debutant Anthony Poljak struck after the hour to give the visitors the lead.

However, less than a minute later a dramatic reply from Daniel Dragicevic put paid to Pride’s hopes of recording their first win at the venue since 2013.

The result returns City to the top four, however they could again drop back out of the Final Series placings depending on the result of Sunday’s clash between Brisbane City and SWQ Thunder.

Key Moments

6’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Jarrod Kyle sees his initial shot parried by Pride goalkeeper Duncan Short before Rhys Saunders looks to pounce on the follow-up with an overhead kick, but can’t find the target

8’ – INJURY FOR CITY – City goalkeeper Shane Viitakangas requires stitches after taking a knock to the chin while punching clear and is replaced by Joshua Langdon

13’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Rhys Saunders is found on the edge of the box and slots home from 15 yards with an assured left foot finish

14’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Joseph Duckworth finds himself in space on the right and shoots as Langdon advances, however the goalkeeper blocks the effort with his legs

15’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Jordan Lampard’s corner is turned in by Jarrod Kyle with a solid headed finish

24’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Jarrod Kyle finds himself free at the back post but his shot strikes the woodwork

45’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Duckworth pulls a goal back immediately before the break by delivering the telling touch amidst a goal mouth scramble

57’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Saunders nips in to win the ball ahead of Short but sends his shot high of the target from an acute angle

65’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Bonventure Thomas-Remijo delivers a firm cross-cum-shot from the right that is too hot to handle for Langdon, who fumbles the ball across the goal line at the near post

74’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Thomas-Remijo again blitzes down the right and sends his cross to the unmarked Anthony Poljak, who beats Langdon with a crisp finish

75’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Lachlan Reus’ free-kick results in a pinball scramble inside the box before Daniel Dragicevic gets the telling touch to again level the scores

88’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Maxime Hoppenot weaves his way into the penalty area but pushes a close range effort wide

What They Said

“It was a game of two halves to be honest. First half Gold Coast played very well, moved the ball quickly and that caused us problems. Second half we adjusted tactically as we have done a few times at half time this year and I thought we coped well. We went 3-2 up and then to concede a goal a like that – it was disappointing not to get three points.“ – Graham Harvey, Western Pride FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 13 (catch-up)

Friday, June 10
Duncan McKenna Field, Gold Coast

Gold Coast City FC – 3 (Rhys SAUNDERS 13’, Jarrod KYLE 15’, Daniel DRAGICEVIC 75’)
Western Pride FC – 3 (Joseph DUCKWORTH 45’, Bonventure THOMAS-REMIJO 65’, Anthony POLJAK 74’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/1TSpY7k

Match Officials – Isidro Terol CRESPO (referee), Joseph LEE (assistant), Dion BRADLEY (assistant), Christopher LONG (fourth)