Fired-up Rudan flags changes for United

WESTERN United coach Mark Rudan has flagged big changes for Saturday’s A-League clash with Sydney FC, blasting his players for a lack of heart in their loss to Central Coast last Sunday.

The Mariners stunned United with a come-from-behind 3-2 win in Gosford after Rudan’s men let slip a 2-1 lead in the 77th minute.

The fired-up manager was left fuming after the loss, saying players would be facing the chop for not matching the energy and desire the Mariners showed in the final 20 minutes.

“I felt we were like schoolboys, particularly defending set pieces, it wasn’t good enough,” Rudan said. “We didn’t match their intensity or desire and that’s not the Western United way.

“That’s certainly not what I’m about and that’s what disappointed me the most.

“I’ve been very loyal to some players and they’ve got absolutely no excuse if they don’t find themselves starting next week.

“Not matching that fight and desire, I thought some players out there just weren’t up for it.

“They need to understand that if they want to be a part of this football club, then that’s not good enough.”

United looked the best side, leading by a goal at halftime, but smart substitutions gave the Mariners an edge as teenager Alou Kwol scored a double in four minutes.

And as the Mariners’ confidence grew, United went into their shell.

“They’re the key moments,” Rudan said. “Under pressure, what are you made of? Who are you?

“As a football player, as a human, you show yourself.

“It’s not just about producing skill sets, it’s about being able to match the intensity of the opposition away from home.”

The Mariners win put last season’s wooden-spooners back on top of the A-League ladder with five wins from seven as they face the next month on the road.

Goals to Tomislav Uskok and Besart Berisha gave United a 2-1 lead at the break with Mariners veteran Matt Simon also getting on the board.

But the comeback specialists got into their stride when Central Coast manager Alen Stajcic threw on Kuol on 61 minutes.

The 19-year-old equalised from a Daniel De Silva corner on 77 minutes, before diving to head in a cross from fellow replacement Daniel Bouman four minutes later to send the Mariners’ fans into raptures.

The loss was the second of the season for the struggling United side, who will face A-League champions Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon.

 

-BY PAMELA WHALEY/ AAP