Eagles Fire In Premier League Season Opener

March 14, 2021March 14, 2021 NSC Media

Lee Vernon’s reinvigorated squad of youth and experience has seen the Nerang Eagles triumph over Burleigh Heads FC in the season opening round of the 2021 Football Gold Coast Premier League season away at Burleigh yesterday.

In the opening match for the Reserve Grade, the Nerang boys left little room for last year’s grand final winners Burleigh to move, running away as comfortable 3 nil victors with some entertaining football and consistent competitive runs. It has already been cited that depth of talent within the entire squad is going to be the key factor for any team wanting to take home the Reserve Grade silverware this year and we’re pleased to see that Nerang has no shortage there.

By 4pm the heat had settled and conditions were perfect to get the Premier League season underway.

Nerang looked deadly from the opening whistle, testing the Burleigh goal early with an unopposed Shaun Robinson strike unlucky not to find the net after a fantastic stop from Burleigh goalkeeper Ryan McCloy.

Burleigh goalkeeper Ryan McCloy fends off a powerful shot from Nerang’s Shaun Robinson.

An improved looking Burleigh side began pushing back under the stern direction of a vocal Colin Phelan at the helm and soon after, a lapse in defensive cover left the Nerang goal exposed for an easy Burleigh goal, putting the Eagles 1 nil down despite arguably having the run of the play for much of the first half.

Burleigh were able to create several key chances in front of goal however a lack of finishing accuracy meant nothing resulted from their opportunities.

Nerang’s Charlie Dixon turns the ball in front of the crowd in the Eagles’ opening round match against Burleigh Heads in the 2021 Football Gold Coast Premier League.

At the 45th minute a quick run and cut from incoming Nerang player Hayden Steene saw him bounce the ball off Henry Adams and stride through into open space, surgically slotting the ball under the keeper’s wing for a quality equalising goal.

Fast-paced winger Hayden Steene opened the scoring for Nerang with a stunning goal in their 3-1 come from behind win over the Burleigh bulldogs in the first game of the 2021 Fotball Gold Coast Premier League season.

It was clear as the second half progressed that Nerang’s fitness and quality were still shifting gears as the Burleigh side began to slow, leaving the door open for a series of chances.

A snap reflex save from Nerang keeper Harvey Rivers kept the sheet clean for his second half, as Burleigh’s chances on goal began to fade.

Nerang Eagles’ goalkeeper Harvey Rivers with a spectacular reflex save to keep his team in it and eventually run away as 3-1 victors against the Burleigh Bulldogs. Opening Round 2021 Football Gold Coast Premier League.

With a building momentum Nerang orchestrated a quality counter attack run which saw Henry Adams find the net about half way through the second period, with Eagles heads lifting and Bulldogs heads dropped.

Burleigh coach Colin Phelan was visibly unimpressed with the game in front of him as the second half progressed with the Bulldogs shape and chances beginning to collapse.

A visibly frustrated Burleigh coach Colin Phelan gives his team a spray during their 3-1 loss to Nerang in the opening round of the 2021 Football Gold Coast Premier League season.

A late double yellow and resultant red card left Burleigh with 10 men as in the dying seconds of the game a pinpoint cross from Harry King landed at substitution Russel Miner’s feet — gifting him a free power shot which nearly tore a hole in the Burleigh net.

Nerang finishing deserved 3-1 winners and taking all six points in two games for their opening round match up.

Next Friday Nerang returns home to take on Broadbeach United, here at Nerang with kick off at 7pm — the reserves play on Thursday night at Nerang, also at 7pm.