GCU topple Victory

Gold Coast United have claimed their third road win of the Hyundai A-League season, stunning Melbourne Victory 1-0 at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night thanks to a Rody Vargas own goal.

The visitors may have been missing Bruce Djite, Tahj Minniecon, James Brown and John Curtis but they executed their game plan to perfection, defending stoutly in the first half and then going on the attack for the first 15 minutes of the second half to pinch the winner in front of 15,534 fans.

Those in attendance welcomed the return of star striker Archie Thompson from a long-term knee injury at the break but they went quiet again in the 55th minute when Adam Traore got free up the left.

Traore fired in a pinpoint cross intended for striker Joel Porter in the heart of the box but having got there ahead of Porter, Vargas headed into his own net, leaving goalkeeper Michael Petkovic stranded.

After that Gold Coast reverted to its defensive, counter-attacking plan and while there were again some nervous moments for them, including in stoppage time, the Victory were unable to breach their defence.

The win takes Gold Coast to 21 points and only behind the third-placed Central Coast Mariners on goal difference while Victory remain in fifth place, four points back and only ahead of Melbourne rivals the Heart on goal difference.

Melbourne Victory 0
Gold Coast United 1 (Vargas og 55)