The clash was Gold Coast’s first pre-season friendly ahead of their upcoming A-League campaign but the New Caledonia players were in no mood to let their opponents ease back into action after the off-season.
The score was locked at 2-2 with ten minutes remaining before a harmless strike from outside the penalty area ricocheted off United defender Bas van den Brink and skipped past the helpless Scott Higgins in the Gold Coast goal.
The home side had to come from behind to register the win after a Dino Djulbic penalty early in the second half put United into a 2-1 lead following a trip on young striker Golgol Mebrahtu.
Gold Coast’s experimental line-up started the match strongly on the slippery surface and took the lead just before the half hour mark. A short corner by Tahj Minniecon found Adama Traore and the Ivorian defender’s cross reached skipper Michael Thwaite, who did the rest from close range.
A determined and physical New Caledonia levelled prior to the break though before Djulbic’s spot-kick restored Gold Coast’s advantage in the 48th minute.
Midway through the second period New Caledonia equalised again with the unfortunate van den Brink diverting a fierce shot into his own net while attempting to clear to safety.
The win gives New Caledonia revenge for the meeting between the two sides in Noumea last year, won 5-0 by the Australian side.
Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg is full of praise for the Oceania country’s resolute performance.
“Obviously we are disappointed to lose even though it was only a friendly and our first pre-season match,” he says.
“New Caledonia played very well under their new coach and certainly looked to have learned from our game against them last year. They were organised, tough and physical which took us by surprise, so all credit to them.
“It was a good fitness work out for us and perhaps we took the game a bit too lightly, unlike our opponents. We have another game against them on Saturday and will be looking to perform with more intensity.”
Gold Coast take on New Caledonia once again this Saturday night in the final match of their two-game visit to Noumea, before returning to the Gold Coast on Sunday.
Story courtesy of www.a-league.com.au