Not since the NSL days has Launceston hosted a competitive football match and after a couple of pre-season games in recent years, Aurora Stadium will finally get an A-League fixture, as Melbourne Victory ‘host’ Gold Coast United with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm AEDT.
The Victory are coming off yet another second half collapse, as they saw a two goal lead against arch-rivals Sydney FC evaporate thanks to a scrappy Seb Ryall equaliser a minute before time.
They’re now down to eighth on the table, dropping behind Newcastle after the Jets surprising win at Suncorp Stadium last Saturday.
Gold Coast have not won since Boxing Day, and haven’t played a game since the 22nd of January, thanks to a waterlogged pitch at Skilled Park postponing their fixture against the Mariners on the weekend.
Miron Bleiberg will be hoping to avoid a third straight loss, and a sixth game without a win which would equal the club’s record winless streak.
Melbourne’s form isn’t much better, as they are still yet to win under new manager Jim Magilton, who has claimed a paltry two point from his first three games, including an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at Perth Glory.
In addition to not having a win, Magilton’s men haven’t been able to keep a clean sheet since the Irishman took the reins.
Isaka Cernak, Diogo Ferreira, and Matthew Foscini are unavailable for the Victory because of commitments to the Olyroos, but the Victory will welcome back Danny Allsopp who missed the grudge match with Sydney due to suspension.
And on a sombre note, the Gold Coast will be without Paul Beekmans who will not return to the club, after originally taking compassionate leave to be with his sick father in the Netherlands, it has come to light that he will not return, with United’s CEO Clive Mensink agreeing to part ways with the midfielder due to “the very difficult circumstances he faces with the illness in his family”.
The Victory won the last match-up between the sides 3-2, thanks to a brace from Carlos Hernandez. It was also the match in which Harry Kewell scored his first A-League goal.
It’s the final fixture of the A-League’s regional round and we’ve got all the midweek football action covered with live scores and commentary of the action. Join us from 7.30pm AEDT for updates and if you’re following, don’t hesitate to post in the space below.
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
Thanks James! I appreciate it! I'm currently studying Sports Media at the University of Canberra, so that is the dream! Hopefully i'll be back soon for another live blog mate!
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
The crowd were treated to a bit of everything tonight in Launceston.. Controversy, goals, moments of brilliance and all in all a very fast paced contest. Ante Covic was the standout for the Victory tonight with an array of fabulous saves... Michael Thwaite honered his role as captain, he comanded the Gold Coast defence and capped off a great night with a moment of brilliance. Honarable mention must go to Marco Rojas who demanded the attention of the defenders after pressing forward on numerous occasions. Chris Harold's introduction late on in the game proved a master move by GC coach Miron Bleiberg... Harold added a spark up front for United and almost snuck through on goal twice. The Victory will fly home reuing missed opportunies... Unfortunately for Jim Magilton's men, the tag of chokers will for at least another round burdon their season. Well that wraps up the proceedings for tonight, the Gold Coast will leave the happier of the two teams but still find themselves stuck on the bottom of the ladder. The Victory face the Heart in the Melbourne derby on Saturday while United make the journey over to Perth next Monday.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
In all honesty I'm not even surprised, pretty much figured that was about to happen. Oh dear, Victory...
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
You beauty GCU what a performance from our kids and we love you Thwaitey man of the match... stick that up you... we are still in it.. Go United :D
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
You can find the subs listed below starting line up Guest :)
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
FULL TIME!! Thwaite is the hero! 89 appearances in the A-league and his first goal comes at the crucial time! Thwaite made the run, the ball fell to Rigters who gave it straight back to Thwaite who made no mistake.. A fantastic run and an even better finish! Kudos to Thwaite! "It's disgusting". The words of a devestated Harry Kewell after the match... "What else can I say, it's just disgusting".
Stevo
Guest
Fair result. Don't they check for flares in Tassie??
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'93 GOOAAAAAAAAALLLLL MICHAEL THWAITE HAS SCORED... His first score as a professional and what a time to do so! Once again the Victory have surrendered the lead late in the game! MELBOURNE VICTORY 1 - GOLD COAST UNITED 1
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'91 Victory counter attack allows space for Thompson to roam, he strikes inside the box! but wide... only just but wide.. O'Connor looked to have it covered nonetheless.
James
Guest
STOFFY: Thanks for the EXCELLENT commentary, you should take up commentary/journalism; it’s not easy to comment and be thorough and captivating the way you describe the action. Thanks again.
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'90 The referee's assistant signals 4 minutes of time to be added on..
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'89 Time running out for the United to equalise... Harry Kewell finds himself running with the ball unmarked inside the box, but Rozic comes across to prevent Kewell from getting a shot off, great defending.
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'87 Harold fouled by Leijer, free kick 25 yards out.. Mebrahtu strikes a dipping ball that is tipped wide by the diving hands of Covic... Another senstational save by the fill in keeper!!
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'85 Throw for Victory on the defensive side of the wing leads to Allsopp having his first run on the ball, but quickly closed down by Rozic.
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'82 Melbourne make their second substitution.. Solorzano makes way for Danny Allsopp.. Allsopp and Thompson reunite again up front, a formidable duo over the years for the Victory!
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'81 The speed of Chris Harold on display here, again pressing forward as the Victory chase the goal that would all but kill the contest. Crowd: 5268 ... Not a bad turnout for a Wednesday night in Launceston!
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'79 Great ball by Harold almost finds Mebrahtu in front of goal, but it's Covic again who is there to make the save for the Victory.
James
Guest
Didn't have to wait long after all!
Stoffy18
Roar Guru
'78 Yellow card shown to Traore who used his body to sheid a Victory player as they looked to counter after a Gold Coast corner was cleared.
James
Guest
5 Yellow cards.....how long before we see a red one :)