United and Reds play out dull draw

Gold Coast United and Adelaide United failed to stake a convincing claim for second spot in a disappointing goalless draw at Skilled Park. Coming away with just a point leaves both sides further behind the Central Coast Mariners who look in pole position to take second place. To make matters worse for Gold Coast, former Manchester United defender John Curtis was stretchered off with concussion after a sickening clash with Paul Reid, the latter being controversially red carded for what seemed a 50/50 challenge.

Both sides seemed lethargic in the energy sapping humid conditions at Robina, and yet another disappointing crowd of little over 2000 showed up to support their side.

In a dull and dour first half that didn’t live up to the pre-game hype, there were few chances to either side. Shane Smeltz looked the most dangerous player for the Queensland club and he set up their only first half chance for Adama Traore who failed to convert with Galekovic making the save.

At the other end Sergio Van Dijk curled a decent free kick just inches wide from 20 yards out, and in the 39th minute Matthew Leckie, Sergio Van Dijk, Travis Dodd and Marcos Flores combined well on the edge of the area, but Coast 'keeper Glen Moss was equal to Van Dijk’s effort.

The scores remained locked at the break but Gold Coast came out all guns blazing in the second period, and had a golden chance to break the deadlock within 15 seconds of the restart.

An inch-perfect through ball from Steve Pantelidis found Traore's run through on goal but the Ivorian's shot was saved by the onrushing Galekovic who was alert to the danger.

The talking point of the game however will surely be the sickening clash between Adelaide substitute Paul Reid and Gold Coast defender John Curtis who both flew totally committed into a 50/50 challenge with studs showing. It was Curtis who came out of the challenge worse, and was stretchered off with what looked to be concussion. Paul Reid was controversially sent of by referee Chris Beath who signalled the decision was due to Reid's studs showing in the challenge, despite Curtis going in with the same commitment.

Joel Porter, the replacement for Bruce Djite who was injured in the first half, began to look dangerous with two first time efforts flashing wide as the Gold Coast began to dominate with their advantage.

Adelaide tried to hit back but not even former Dutch international Andy Slory making his debut could unsettle the Gold Coast backline or overcome their numerical disadvantage.

Gold Coast's pressure should have resulted in the winner after Perchtold's shot was deflected to an unmarked Tahj Minniecon, but with Galekovic beaten his shot was closed down with a desperate lunge from Francisco Usucar.

0-0 is stayed until the final whistle, with both sides ruing missed chances as they continue to lose ground on the Central Coast Mariners who look set to retain second spot going into the finals.