Heart go third as Gold Coast United lose.. again

Just the usual regulars were inside Skilled Park for Friday night's visit of Melbourne Heart as Gold Coast United once again failed to reach out and connect with the fastest growing population base in Australia in order to bring in some sort of respectable crowd.

Barely two minutes were gone and both sides had decent chances to open the scoring as first Dylan Macallister and then Matt Thompson sent efforts straight at their opposing 'keepers.

Neither side learned from their early let off, as an unmarked Gol Gol Mebrahtu headed over the bar before almost instantly Rutger Worm capitalised on a poor clearance from GCU to set up Thompson for the opening goal on four minutes.

Gold Coast responded well, and when Paul Beekmans fed Maceo Rigters into the area it took an outstanding save from veteran 'keeper Clint Bolton to tip the Dutchman's stinging effort onto the crossbar.

The Heart really should have doubled their lead with 20 minutes on the clock, when Worm crossed to the back post for Thompson, who headed back across goal for Maycon who only had to hit the target to score but inexplicably headed over the 'bar.

The closest Gold Coast came to leveling the scores in the first half was in the form of Mitch Bevan's over hit cross, which almost dipped under the crossbar and into Melbourne Heart's net before hitting the far post and bouncing safely into the hands of a relieved Bolton.

In comparison to the first, the second half started at a much more relaxed pace as a few substitutions really took the momentum out of the game.

Rigters continued to be the United's focal point in attack, and continued to get good service from the left flank as left back Adama Traore linked well with the impressive Bevan. And it was the big centre forward who won a free kick for the home side on the edge of the area just after the hour mark which allowed Peter Jungschlager to drive home the equaliser in off the left hand post. Though questions will be asked about the security of the Heart wall as the ball appeared to pass clean through untouched.

Having worked so hard for a deserved equaliser it took just a few minutes for the Coast to throw all their hard work away, as they failed to track Germano's run into the penalty area, allowing him to add the finishing touch to Matt Thompson's neat chipped through-ball, lifting it over the onrushing Glen Moss to restore the Heart's lead.

With a goal lead away from home it was little surprise to see the Heart decide to shut up shop for the night and invite Gold Coast to break them down if they could.

Defender Michael Thwaite's surging runs towards the Heart's penalty area were becoming more and more common and Adama Traore had all but given up defensive duties completely.

The Melbournians weren't going in to panic mode, though, as they continued to value possession of the ball in the late stages and refused the temptation to just kick it anywhere away from their goal.

And, having been forced to endure five minutes of added time, the Heart successfully negated any late threats that Gold Coast hoped to muster, to secure themselves a precious away win, and third spot on the ladder, albeit just for the night.

The Football Sack 'Player of the Year' points:
3) Matt Thompson
2) Clint Bolton
1) Mitch Bevan