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“It was disgusting. We do it week in, week out. We have to take a good look at ourselves, it’s not good enough” said marquee man Harry Kewell directly after the game.
Indeed it was not good enough at all. Despite taking the lead in the 65th minute through the former Liverpool man, whose low free-kick found its way into the bottom left hand corner, Victory were not convincing enough throughout the ninety minutes to earn all three points.
Victory boss Jim Magilton was pleased with his players display after the break despite the fact his side is yet to win a second half this season.
“We have to keep clean sheets because that’s what wins you a game of football and again today we conceded in the 90th minute. The only positive from tonight is that we played much better in the second half.
"We created enough chances to win the game but we need to learn how to be ruthless and kill teams off. Thwaite took his goal well, however we should never have allowed that.”
It was a sense of Déjà vu for Melbourne, as in the space of six days two former Victory players have managed to find the back of the net in stoppage time to earn a point for their respective sides. Thwaite's finish was extra special as it was the captains first ever professional goal after stints in the NSL, Romania and Poland. The goal in the 93rd minute was taken superbly by Thwaite as he cleverly placed the ball low into the bottom corner leaving Covic stunned. His shot was more like a striker's finish rather than a first-time goal scorer.
Nevertheless the goal was lauded by Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg.
“I told him Michael (Thwaite) stick with me, I’ll be your coach and one day you will score. It was a dramatic goal, everybody will remember it and he will always remember it which makes me very happy.”
Gold Coast earned the point and would have left Tasmania with all three points had it not been for Ante Covic. The Victory shot stopper was in fine form yet again, denying numerous United attempts including a remarkable double save to stop Mebrahtu.
“Overall it was a good performance, we almost lost the game because of a lack of experience but in the end justice prevailed. And the fact that (Ante) Covic was voted man of the match simply speaks for itself” continued Bleiberg.
Although mathematically Gold Coast can still make the finals it is highly unlikely the bottom-placed side will make a push for a top six finish. Bleiberg however must continue to believe in his youngsters and ensure they stay at the Queensland club beyond this season.
With their current form the blue side of Melbourne are unlikely to make the finals series themselves and games against ladder leaders Central Coast and champions Brisbane Roar following this week's Melbourne derby, it is now or never for the Victory to step up and challenge for the much hyped sixth spot. With the squad at Magilton’s possession, sixth place should be the least that this team is capable of achieving.
The Football Sack's 'Player of the Year' points:
3 - Ante Covic
2 - Michael Thwaite
1 - Harry Kewell