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Steve Pantelidis: Scored his side's first goal at Skilled Park

AFTER months of preparation, Gold Coast United came through their first serious test with a solid 2-0 win over fellow Hyundai A-League newcomers North Queensland Fury at Skilled Park.

Despite dominating the match, it took late goals from Steve Pantelidis and youth team star-in-the-making, Steve Lustica, to secure the win for United who were without the services of Jason Culina, Shane Smeltz and all three Brazilian imports, with Robson and Milson both nursing minor strains and Jefferson out for some with a torn knee cartilage.

There was plenty of commitment early on with tackles flying in from both sides, but it was United who had the better of the opening chances.

The first opportunity came in the 13th minute when Joel Porter released Adam Griffiths with a smart pass, but Griffiths’ shot was saved comfortably by Paul Henderson in the Fury goal.

Seven minutes later John Tambouras intercepted a Matt Osman cross that was heading towards the unmarked Porter and from the resulting corner Michael Thwaite’s goal-bound header was cleared off the line.

With the half drawing to a close Fury almost opened the scoring when Chris Grossman found space six metres from goal only for United custodian Scott Higgins to frustrate him with a timely save.

After a tepid beginning to the second half Miron Bleiberg made a string of substitutions to inject more life into his side and when Gol Gol Mebrahtu was replaced in the 63rd minute another of United’s youth team prospects, Mitch Bevan, was given his first taste of senior action. Bevan almost announced his arrival in spectacular fashion with a blistering left-foot drive from outside the box that whistled just clear of the crossbar.

With 17 minutes to go Porter robbed Tambouras 25 metres from goal and honed in on the Fury ‘keeper only to see his first shot smothered and his second blocked by a Fury defender as United turned up the heat on their northern opponents.

Their pressure paid off with five minutes left when Bevan’s trickery eventually found Pantelidis in space and the former Melbourne Victory man made no mistake from 10 metres as he blasted home.

Right at the death United made sure of the win when youngster Steve Lustica burst free of the Fury rearguard, beat goalkeeper Henderson to the ball, then fired gleefully into the empty net to give the scoreline a realistic look.

Pre-season friendly, Tuesday 23 June 2009 at Skilled ParkGold Coast United 2 (Steve Pantelidis 85, Steve Lustica 90)
North Queensland Fury 0
HT: 0-0
Referee: Matthew Gillett