Gold Coast United boss Miron Bleiberg has heaped praise on the ‘efficient’ nature of his side’s 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix at Skilled Park on Saturday night, but he may miss two key players for their midweek trip to Newcastle.
United cruised to the win thanks to goals from Bas van den Brink and James Brown, but on a sour note Robson had to be substituted just 20 minutes into the match after he suffered a knee injury, and his replacement Zenon Caravella was on the receiving end of numerous rough challenges and was eventually taken off with an ankle complaint.
The setbacks come just as it seemed Gold Coast had seen the worst of an injury and suspension crisis that saw a host of first-team players sidelined for a number of games, and Bleiberg may be forced into the match against the Newcastle Jets on Wednesday night without two key midfielders.
Bleiberg admitted his side never hit their straps against the Phoenix but did more than enough for a vital win that keeps the pressure on the top two.
“In the end it was one of our easiest wins and I think we enjoyed it in the end. At the moment we are a top team and they are mid-table and that was the reflection,” he said. “If you asked me before the game, that’s what I would have wanted. I’m happy.”
“You don’t win the premiership by winning every game 5-0 – you pick your good games when you need to and today was enough for us to play in second gear.”
“I would describe this win as efficient considering that we have to play three tough games in a week, including travel. Now I want the boys to forget about this game and concentrate on Wednesday.”
The match was heated at times, with numerous reckless and rough challenges forcing referee Allan Milliner into showing eight yellow cards – split evenly with four to each team.
Bleiberg claimed the Kiwis forced his side into playing rough, with the wet conditions playing some part as well, but the Gold Coast mentor said there was no real feeling in the contest beyond the usual desperation for points.
“The Phoenix drew us into a bit of a rough game which they started and we responded. In my opinion, from what I saw, there were two tackles that were worse than yellow cards from the Phoenix in the first half,” Bleiberg said.
“I’m not saying that they were the only guilty party – in the end the game was a bit rough and maybe it had a bit to do with the slippery conditions as well.”
“It wasn’t malice between the two teams – they gave it to us and we gave it to them. If they wouldn’t have started it, we wouldn’t have given it back to them, let’s put it that way.”
“It wasn’t our tactic in the dressing room to play that. We have enough good footballers to play three, four passes and they’re out of puff.”
“This season we’ve taken seven points from them and last year they gave us a lesson so we’re happy.”
