Gold Coast United has surged to the top of the National Youth League ladder thanks to a brace to Tahj Minniecon in a 2-0 win over the Newcastle Jets at Adamstown Oval, Newcastle on Friday evening.
Minniecon proved the difference in the hard-fought Round 10 fixture scoring a goal either side of half-time to maintain the Gold Coast’s unbeaten run to put the Queensland side two points clear of Sydney FC at the top of the table.
The first goal came as the Newcastle defence failed to clear a cross with Minniecon threading home through a crowded penalty area.
The second was pure brilliance and pace as the classy midfielder converted a solo run to seal the victory.
It was the Gold Coast’s fifth win in eight matches while the Jets recorded their sixth loss to see them third from bottom on the ladder.
Minniecon showed his intent from the start, picking up a loose ball inside the area only to see his 10-yard shot parried away by Newcastle goalkeeper Dion Shaw.
The Jets also looked dangerous on the attack with Kaz Patafta sliding a nice pass for Brodie Mooy who saw his on-target shot saved by United custodian Jerrad Tyson.
The visitors started to find holes in the Newcastle defence with Golgol Mebrahtu firing over the crossbar after he got the ball unmarked right in front of goal.
The pressure eventually told in the 38th minute as Gold Coast worked a play down the right wing with the cross not cleared by the Jets defence.
Minniecon pounced and with two touches he poked the ball under Shaw to send his side to the half-time break leading 1-0.
Gold Coast started the second half in ascendance with some Minniecon magic giving the visitors a 2-0 advantage in the 50th minute.
The 20-year-old speedster raced down the left wing before he cut inside and outside of two Newcastle defenders to race into the penalty area and calmly slotted past Shaw.
The home side tried to work its way back into the match with striker Mirjan Pavlovic firing wide on a turn-and-shoot just after the hour mark.
Shaw produced a couple of fine saves to deny Gold Coast’s James Brown and striker Andrew Barisic while Jets substitute Damien Brosque and Pavlovic fired their late chances wide of the target as the Gold Coast scored a deserved victory.
Newcastle Jets 0
Gold Coast United 2 (Minniecon 38, 50)
