Last week’s trial game against the Tweed Valley Kings at Reg Dalton Oval, Kingscliff, held special significance for one Gold Coast United player.
For A League player James Brown it was more than just another trial against a local Premier League team, it was a chance to play on his home turf in front of his friends and family.
You see, while a lot of the Gold Coast United players are from all around Australia and even overseas, James grew up playing at Reg Dalton Oval and still lives in town.
“It was great,” he said of the experience.
“I haven’t played there in a couple of years and they even made me captain for the night, which was a bonus.”
James’ appearance in the game also proved a bonus for the young fans who swamped him more than any other player and were eager to chat to him and get his autograph.
In fact, parking was at a premium at the ground on the cold Tuesday night, with local club members and fans braving the conditions to watch the local heroes on both sides. In the end United proved too strong, beating the town’s own Gold Coast Premier League team Tweed Valley Kings 7-0. According to James it was a good hit-out for both sides, with United having plenty of new faces to integrate into the side. It was also a valuable hit-out for the Kings, often the cellar dwellers of the Premier League, having proven the revelation of the competition this year and seemed permanently camped in the top four away from relegation danger.
