Smeltz`s four-goal haul melts Fury

A remarkable four-goal haul to Shane Smeltz was the highlight of Gold Coast's
emphatic 5-0 victory over fellow A-League new boys North Queensland Fury in Saturday
night's clash at Skilled Park.
The New Zealand international looked unstoppable in the second half as he bagged
three goals in a blazing nine-minute period in front of 7,526 vocal fans.
It takes Smeltz's season tally to five goals from just two games. The Johnny Warren
Medallist also scored in last weekend's 3-1 victory over Brisbane Roar.
Gold Coast remain on top of the table while the Fury, who never threatened the
opposition and were completely outclassed on Saturday night, are yet to post a
victory.
North Queensland, despite the recruitment of Socceroos defender Shane Stefanutto,
were powerless to shut down a rampant Gold Coast, who could have won by more on a
dodgy pitch.
Smeltz started his golden run in the 29th minute when he sprinted clear of two
defenders after taking a long ball from his skipper Jason Culina.
Smeltz had enough time and space to cooly slot the ball past goal-keeper Paul
Henderson to hand his team a 1-0 lead.
The former Wellington Phoenix star had a chance to extend Gold Coast's lead just
before the break but his close range header from a pinpoint Michael Thwaite cross
was well saved by Henderson.
But Smeltz would not be denied. He put his team ahead 2-0 with a 54th minute penalty
goal after Beau Busch brought down Thwaite in the box.
In the 62nd minute Smeltz latched onto a terrific Joel Porter through ball and fired
at goal. The ball deflected off Busch and went past the despairing Henderson.
Just seconds later Smeltz had his quadruple. Steven Fitzsimmons sent the ball to
Smeltz, who pivoted and fired low and hard into the right corner of the net.
A Tahj Minniecon solo goal in the 79th minute completed the rout.
United kept pushing for goals and a disappointing Fury were only just hanging on.
Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg made five changes to the starting side which
defeated Brisbane Roar last weekend.
Star defender Adam Griffiths has been lost to Saudi champions Al Shabab, with
Thwaite stepping into the vacant midfield holding role.
Brazilian Robson (knee injury) was also absent while his older brother Anderson was
named on the bench. Steve Pantelidis replaced Robson.
In a bizarre decision, Porter and not Smeltz was named man of the match.