Gold Coast United coach Michael Cook says bright days lay ahead after strong NPL Women’s form

GOLD Coast United coach Michael Cook believes better days await the Surfsiders after continuing their form surge in the final round of the NPL Women’s.

GOLD Coast United coach Michael Cook says better days await the Surfsiders after continuing their form surge in the final round of the NPL Women’s on Saturday.

United recorded their fifth win in the final six games with a 2-0 triumph over Sunshine Coast Wanderers at Buderim, helping them to a sixth-placed finish in their debut NPLW campaign.

Mackenzie Akins took her season tally to 25 goals with the opener in the 13th minute before Reiri Ono put the result to bed with a second goal three minutes from time.

Cook said the strong finish had laid the platform for their 2019 assault and reserved praise for leaders Neesa Doyle, Joy Forsyth and US import Akins.

Gold Coast United NPL Women's captain Neesa Doyle.

“I am so proud of this largely young and inexperienced team to end the season in sixth place,” Cook said.

“Neesa, Joy and Kenzie were huge throughout the campaign and a special mention also to our vice-captain, Eloise Fryer, who was ever present, offering support to the squad even though she suffered a season-ending injury very early in the year.

“This match (against Wanderers) was a great example of needing to win ugly. Without the ball we were very good, every player adhered to our structure, and our pressing and winning possession was terrific the whole match.

“With the ball we were a little sloppy with our passing and we turned the ball over too easily. But we still found a way to win and I couldn’t ask for more effort and character from all of the players.

“We have a terrific platform for next season and I can’t wait to help guide this team to bigger and better things.”

United are expected to begin assembling their 2019 squad in November, following senior trials.