NPL derby against Knights takes mental and physical toll on Gold Coast United in 4-0 Olympic loss

THE mental and physical drain of the city’s first NPL derby may have played a part in Gold Coast United’s 4-0 NPL disaster against Olympic at Tallebudgera on Sunday.

THE mental and physical drain of the city’s first NPL derby may have played a part in Gold Coast United’s 4-0 NPL disaster against Olympic at Tallebudgera on Sunday.

Riding a five-game unbeaten run into the Round 8 encounter at Coplick Family Sports Park, United were a shadow of the side that secured a 1-1 draw against Gold Coast Knights the previous week.

While they held their own to trail 1-0 at halftime, the floodgates opened after the break as Olympic climbed into third place on the back of three second-half strikes.

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United’s Jason Campbell, who had been a midfield rock in the Surfsiders’ climb into the top four, admitted the battle with the Knights had taken its toll on the young squad.

“It was a big game (against Knights), a derby. It takes a lot out of you mentally,” the 21-year-old said.

“We didn’t really turn up to the game (against Olympic). It was tough conditions - it was stinking hot - and we just didn’t show up.

Gold Coast United's Michael Thwaite and Olympic's Alex Smith do battle in the NPL at Coplick Family Sports Park on Sunday. Picture: Craig Clifford

“With good sides like Olympic, they’re going to score goals and take their chances. They just got on top physically.

“We had a few starting players out. It’s no excuse, the boys who came in had to do a job. We just weren’t good enough.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a reality check but Olympic is a good team. If we want to challenge (for the title) ourselves, we have to turn up in big games.”

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Named in the NPL Team of the Week following his performance against the Knights, Campbell said he was among those who failed to fire against Olympic.

“(The game) personally was a bit of a setback. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I know I could offer more and do better but from week one I’ve been gradually building,” he said.

“Hopefully next week I can build again. Team of the Week, people look at it and focus on that, but I just focus on what I can contribute to the team.”

Now sitting fifth, United travel to Mackay on Saturday, while the second-placed Knights host Lions.