Horror week ends with loss for Gold Coast

Gold Coast United ended a turbulent week with a 1-0 loss to Melbourne Heart in front of a disappointing 4,972 fans at AAMI Park. Mike Mulvey took the reigns in the place of the Miron Bleiberg who was facing a club imposed suspension for his manner in 'Cooper-Gate'.

Captain Mitch Cooper and midfielder Jake Barker-Daish made their debuts for Gold Coast in what was the youngest side ever to grace an A League game. Veteran defender Kristian Rees was the only player over the age of 23 years old. Age didn't stop United early as they took the game up to the more fancied Heart but experience quickly overtook enthusiasm as Melbourne dominated the first half.

Fred was all smiles after his man of the match return for Melbourne Heart

Heart were without any great chances in the first stanza other than a Germano header that was hit straight at Jerrad Tyson and a Fred mis-kick when he had beaten the off-side trap, in what wasn't a half that will feature on any highlight DVD going into any time capsule.

The second half started much the same as the first with Ben Halloran testing Clint Bolton early, Halloran, the only Gold Coast player contracted past seasons end was again showing why he is a great Socceroo prospect.

Heart though were clearly the better side throughout the game and were rewarded for their persistence. Kristian Rees tried to play out from the back and coughed the ball up which Fred found and lofted it across to Matt Thompson. The returning Thompson played the ball to giant striker Eli Babalj for the easiest of tap-ins on 79 minutes.

The win was Heart's first for 2012 and Fred's first since December 8 2011 and now sees them up into 5th place on the table. Gold Coast on the other hand are now cemented to the bottom with short odds on them 'winning' the wooden spoon after competing in a preliminary final last season.

After the game Heart coach John van't Schip was positive about his sides chances going forward and with Duganziç, Behich and Hoffman all to return from Olyroo duty he has every right to feel so, Even Fred claimed he was at 50% and with another match or two under his belt he would be cherry ripe for the finals.

Mulvey and Anderson see positives

Gold Coast interim coach Mike Mulvey also looked at the positives as he and young gun Zac Anderson fronted the media. Mulvey was full of praise for his youthful side and in particular Anderson and Halloran. Mulvey was cool in his press conference and, if given the job that could be vacated by Bleiberg soon, looks more than accomplished after three years with the club.