Nick Panetta stars with two goals in Gold Coast Knights’ hard-fought NPL win over Sunshine Coast

GOLD Coast Knights danger man Nick Panetta showed why he hasn’t given up on his A-League dream on Saturday night, while Gold Coast United produced a contender for NPL goal of the season against Brisbane Strikers. Check out the videos here.

GOLD Coast Knights danger man Nick Panetta hasn’t given up on his A-League dream and on Saturday night he showed why.

The former Joeys attacker saved the Knights’ blushes against NPL battlers Sunshine Coast at the Croatian Sports Centre, scoring twice in a 2-1 win that extended his side’s unbeaten run to five games.

His first goal seven minutes into the second half came after a solo run through the box and a goalkeeping error, before last year’s wooden spooners levelled five minutes later.

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But the 20-year-old saved his best for last in the 90th-minute, stepping inside a defender before firing off a curling shot from just inside the 18-yard box to grab his third goal of the season.

A product of Cairns, Panetta’s career appeared at the crossroads when he left Gold Coast United midway through last season, but his revival at the Knights has rekindled his top-level aspirations.

“I think everyone would like to be at a higher level than they’re at now so (the A-League) is definitely on the cards. It’s just timing and all that that you’ve got to think about,” Panetta said.

“I’m definitely happier (than last season). I’m at a good club and trying to go in the right direction. It should be a good year and hopefully more years to come.

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“I’ve been going alright, just trying to improve every game like everyone else. The team is going good, we’re working well together and everyone believes that we can have a good season.

“It’s always good to get the winner but you’ve got to give credit to those around you who give you the ball at the right time as well.”

Gold Coast Knights’ Nick Panetta (left) scored a double against Sunshine Coast. Picture: John Gass

Riding a three-game winning streak into Saturday night, the second-placed Knights were again guilty of wastefulness against a Fire outfit with a solitary point from their opening four games.

However, Panetta said complacency was not an issue for the hosts, who will travel to Peninsula Power in a top-of-the-table encounter next Saturday night.

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“We weren’t complacent, they just had a few new signings and turned up ready to win. I think they’re improving as the season goes on as well, so I don’t think they’re going to be an easy beat anymore,” Panetta said.

“We created quite a few chances that we should have put away and it would have made it a lot easier for us. But we still got up 1-0 and even when they got one back we still had it in us to get another one.

“There was still room for some improvement in there in attack and defence. We will definitely have to lift against Peninsula.

“We always need to improve from game to game but I think just getting back into the training ground this week, we will build on (the win) and I think we should have a good shot.”

Meanwhile, Gold Coast United continued their hot form with a 4-0 thumping of Brisbane Strikers at Perry Park on Saturday night.

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Goals from Cian Cuba (two), Conor Smith and Tyler Wagstaffe sealed a third-straight win for the visitors, who host Brisbane Roar in Round 6 on Saturday.

Cuba’s first effort will go down as a contender for goal of the season after capping a length-of-the-field move with a bullet header.

United’s women kept their unbeaten start to the NPLW season alive with a 1-1 draw away to Sunshine Coast today.