Gold Coast tyros book finals spot

A 1-1 stalemate against Adelaide United Youth at Hindmarsh Stadium last Sunday was enough to book Gold Coast United a berth in the upcoming National Youth League finals series.

A Tahj Minniecon equaliser early in the second half gave the blue and golds the point needed to secure a finals appointment, thanks to United’s superior goal difference over Sydney, who could also manage just a draw with Central Coast Mariners last Saturday.

With their fate in their own hands, Mike Mulvey’s young troops produced a sterling performance to cement fourth place on the ladder.

However, they had to come from behind, albeit against the run of play.

Adelaide earlier took a first half lead, courtesy of Evan Kostopoulos’s strike inside the first 10 minutes.

The reward finally came in the 56th minute thanks to the enigmatic Minniecon.

Kingscliff’s James Brown was the architect of the move, releasing Minniecon with a deft pass that invited the speed machine to run at the home defence.

Minniecon skipped past two defenders before homing in on goal and firing confidently past Codey Larkin.

The result means United face a sudden-death semi-final on Saturday, away to newly-crowned NYL premiers Central Coast Mariners.

The game will be held at Pluim Park, Gosford, kicking off at 4pm (DST).

The victors will progress to the grand final and meet the winners of the other knockout semi-final between second-placed Perth Glory and third-placed Adelaide United.