Gold Coast United have come from behind to pull off a stunning 2-1 win over Fulham FC in a spirited pre-season friendly at Skilled Park on Wednesday night.
Shane Smeltz knocked in the match-winner in the 85th minute after Brazilian striker Milson came off the bench and scored the equaliser just four minutes earlier.
Smeltz had the last touch before Milson lobbed his header into the net and then scored from close range to cap off a night of missed chances for the Kiwi striker.
While Smeltz provided the goal it was Tahj Minniecon who was the catalyst for the comeback, the attacking midfielder took the field after half time and added the spark that was required to get the underdogs back in the game.
Fulham played from in front and looked in total control after Danny Murphy scored in the 16th minute, but a relentless second half comeback gave the new Hyundai A-league franchise a memorable win.
Fuham’s defence was strong for 80 minutes but their lack of match fitness showed as they were overrun in the closing stages.
Joel Porter and Robson threatened throughout the first half but couldn’t crack the Cottages with Chris Smalling outstanding in defence.
The home side controlled the ball early as Fulham warmed into what was their first game after what was a long off-season.
In the 16th minute the pendulum swung the way of the visitors when Coast defender Adam Griffiths fouled Ki Hyeon Seol within striking range. Skipper Danny Murphy stepped up for Fulhum and buried the shot deep into the top left corner of the net from 25 metres out.
The Coast threw everything at Fulham including a Porter cross which found it’s mark as Shane Smeltz headed toward goal only to be denied by what appeared to be a handball.
Norwegian striker Eric Nevland was unlucky not to score on several occasions for the visitors on several attacking forays, but it was the Gold Coast who looked to have blown their chances as the clock wound down to half time.
Both teams made multiple substitutions at the break, but it was all one-way traffic in the second half with Minniecon and Jason Culina showing the way.
Manager for Fulham, Roy Hodgson said: “We did quite well for 60 or 70 minutes, considering it was our first game after just four days of training.”
“After they scored their first goal there was always going to be a lot of pressure on us and some of our guys just aren’t used to that pressure.”
Miron Bleiberg was equally pleased with the work of his team.
“I think we did a big credit for the A-League as a whole, we will be taken more seriously than ever before,” he said.
“Its just part of our preparation and I ‘d trade the win today for any win in the A-League.”
Gold Coast United 2 (Milson 81′, Smeltz 85′)
Fulham 1 (Murphy 16′)
at Skilled Park
Crowd: 10,336
