Mackay and Whitsundays lose to Gold Coast 5-1, sit second last on NPL table
Early season expectations of a mid-table finish are long gone as the Crusaders fight to stay in the NPL.
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A battle to avoid relegation for the remainder of the season will be the main focus for the Magpies Crusaders after a disappointing 5-1 loss to Gold Coast.
Magpies Crusaders entered the season optimistic of a mid-table finish, but the struggles they have faced this season have left the side scrambling to survive.
Mackay and Whitsundays was not expected to provide much resistance against the Knights, who sit fourth in the NPL north.
The loss leaves Magpies Crusaders second last on the table, eight points short of relegation safety after Capalaba’s 1-0 win over Brisbane Strikers.
Magpies Crusaders coach Tom Ballantyne said the side was trying to find the right formula to success.
“We’ve mixed things up again, we’ve had a look a few different systems,” Ballantyne said.
“It’s been good to see some players play in positions they don’t normally play, we’ve been pretty flat throughout the week after a loss so we’re trying new things out to get the lads switched on.”
James Oldenwater was the sole goal scorer for the Magpies Crusaders, with a late shot from outside the box finding its way into the top corner.
Ballantyne said he preferred the side to play more attacking football and try to salvage a draw, rather than stay defensive.
“We’d rather lose a game 2-0 or 3-0 chasing a result than to let the game play out,” he said.
“We’ve conceded some weak goals on the counter attack late in games this season, we just need to limit that and try to control the ball more.”
Mackay and Whitsundays will play Moreton Bay in round 17, followed by Capalaba in round 18.
Originally published as Mackay and Whitsundays lose to Gold Coast 5-1, sit second last on NPL table
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