GOLD Coast United’s National Youth League (NYL) side eased to a 5-1 trial match win over a Gold Coast Select XI last night, producing a fine performance at Surfers Paradise Soccer Club.
GOLD Coast United-s National Youth League (NYL) side eased to a 5-1 trial match win over a Gold Coast Select XI last night, producing a fine performance at Surfers Paradise Soccer Club.
With a mix of both new and familiar faces, Mike Mulvey-s youngsters passed the ball with style, suggesting the upcoming NYL season will again be one to look forward to for United fans.
It took just six minutes for United to open the scoring when Elliott Ronto rose to meet Jacob Borg-s inviting cross and headed firmly past Andreas Eikum in the home goal.
More slick football followed before Bobby Russell doubled the lead. Latching on to a searching pass from Matija Simic, Russell displayed composure beyond his years to elegantly knock the ball home.
Palm Beach recruit Chris Lucas added the third on the half hour from close range with a well-timed run, before the Select XI reduced the deficit to 3-1 on the stroke of half-time
After making a series of substitutions the visitors had to wait until midway through the second period to add to the scoreline, but it was well worth waiting for as Mitch Bevan produced the most spectacular goal of the night. Cutting inside from the right, Bevan whipped a 25-metre screamer past Eikum-s despairing dive and into the top corner.
Tom Boland-s header towards the end made it 5-1 to United and finished what was a very satisfying hit-out for Mulvey-s men.
“We knocked the ball around well and played some very nice football at times, with some terrific goals as well,” Mulvey said.
“Our focus is of course to prepare for the season that starts next month and this was a very useful match for us.
“With some new players coming in it was good to get them on the park so they can become familiar with what we are looking for,” he added.
