Gold Coast Stars continue undefeated run

In front of a vocal crowd at Perry Park, the Gold Coast Stars got the win away from home, extending their unbeaten streak, defeating Southern Cross United, 3-1.

With Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay spotted in the stands and former Socceroos captain Craig Moore relishing his coaching role for Gold Coast, there was a lot of anticipation in the air for this Round 5 match.

At their first home game of the season, Southern Cross were out to impress early, and were succeeding as they dominated possession in the first quarter of the match.

Then in the 9th minute a Southern Cross break up the left side, led to a nice cross into the square which beat the pack of defenders and forwards up front, landing perfectly for McCormack, who from a tight angle near the right post, slotted home the goal past Gold Coast keeper Ryan Meskell. United up 1-0.

Gold Coast looked increasingly shaky in defence, easily giving possession back to Southern Cross, and with their attack struggling to penetrate the United defence, the Stars were forced to shoot from far out, making scoring difficult.

But just before the half everything started to click for Gold Coast.

They began to defend better and were finally breaking through.

Before long it felt as though an equaliser was near.

In the 34^th minute a cross from the left side was picked up by number 10, Lewis Marsh who with great ease smashed the ball into the back of the net to make the score 1-1.

Soon after Gold Coast had an excellent opportunity to take the lead after a nice volley from midfield to forward Matt Hilton, but a mistimed strike, meant the chance went begging.

After the half, Gold Coast absolutely smothered Southern Cross. More composed in defence and keeping the pressure on United defenders, they looked most likely to break the deadlock.

Stars forward Hilton, had yet another chance to get his name on the scoresheet, in the 60th minute, but again, covered by United’s keeper, flying to his left.

With the frantic pace of the match tiring players on both sides, when Southern Cross’ number 9 went down with cramp, it was a well needed breather for the teams.

From there on in, the match turned into a completely one-sided affair.

Gold Coast took the lead in the 67th minute, after the ball ricocheted off the United defender and fell at the feet of the Stars’ John Prugh who converted from just left of the goal post. Gold Coast 2-1.

With the relentless pressure on the United defence, the Stars extended their advantage in the 85th minute.

A penalty on the left edge of the box was taken quickly and crossed into the square, where Lewis Marsh collected his second goal for the afternoon.

Gold Coast winning 3-1, and continuing their undefeated run for the 2011 season.

After the match Southern Cross United coach, Josh McCloughan, commented on the team’s missed opportunities.

“I think if you don’t put your chances away you know they come back to haunt you, and they did,” he said.

Meanwhile Gold Coast Stars coach, John Stewart, was pleased with his team’s effort in the second half.

“I thought in the first half, we struggled in the heat a bit. We needed to retain the ball and we did that a little bit better in the second half,

“We limited their chances and it gave our wide guys a chance to get forward and the wide guys did quite well for us,” Stewart said.



Thanks to Football Queensland and Chris Paul for the footage.