Selections, tactics and Smeltz - Sydney vs Gold Coast review

Gold Coast have redeemed themselves after losing last week to Newcastle by beating a solid Sydney team 2-1. Shane Smeltz was the decisive factor, heading home the opener and showing a display of class composure to slot away his second. The lethal Kiwi took his tally this season to 8 goals in 5 games. Pure destruction.

The Gold Coast dominated the first 15 minutes comfortably, controlling the tempo and direction of play, giving Sydney FC youngster Rhyan Grant no time on the ball - The presence of the experienced Terry McFlynn obviously missed.

But it was no coincidence that when Alex Brosque joined the party, Sydney FC began to control the game a little more. Grant and Kisel looked a little more comfortable with their passes although they couldn't really get into the game. They managed to deliver some decent balls out to Brosque, Gan and Bridge. But Sydney were too deep, and Aloisi was isolated up front which halted any attacks in the final third. It was bland. It was unattractive, and that long ball tactic just simply was not working.

Were we thinking how lucky we were to be going into the break with the game still at 0-0? Damn straight. Maybe that's why Smeltz scored on almost the last kick - or head, if you will - of the game. A beautiful ball in from a set piece found Smeltz with pin point accuracy, and Smeltz showed even better accuracy with his head, as he lobbed the ball over helpless goalkeeper Clint Bolton as the ball sailed into the far corner. 1-0 Gold Coast.

Not to long into the second half, Danning came on for Bridge which moved Brosque into the center attacking role and Gan out onto the other wing. It worked a treat and the NAB young player of the month (Kofi Danning) combined with Shannon Cole to add flexabilty to the attack. Suddenly, the attack and crosses in from the right hand side applied plenty of pressure to the Gold Coast defence and Sydney looked the most likely of the two to score. Substitutes 1, Lavicka (Sydney FC manager) 0.

But the central midfield in the form of Grant and Kisel still looked shaky, and when Kisel misfired a pass it couldn't of fell at the feet of a worse person then Shane Smeltz. Unlucky son - but you just cost us dearly. 2-0 Gold Coast.

Off goes Kisel, on comes Corica.

We look even more likely.

Corica scores.

Substitutes 2, Lavicka 0.

Gold Coast 2-1 Sydney FC.