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Michael Thwaite's brilliant solo effort in stoppage time dragged the Coast back into the contest to earn a valuable point in the 1-1 draw at Aurora Stadium.

 

Despite being owned by one of the wealthiest men in the country, Gold Coast is run on a shoestring.

 

And with a stated youth policy this season following the exits of key players Shane Smeltz and Jason Culina, it's been a tough campaign for the lively Bleiberg.

 

But he was full of smiles after the game and predicted United could still end up in the finals.

 

"We are the youngest team and lack of experience and there are a lot of if and buts [financially] that Gold Coast didn't utilise this year," he said. "And Melbourne Victory did - that's where we're sometimes lacking.

 

"We went with the policy of going with youth this year and that was a bold decision and the poor coach has to follow suit. But I'm happy to do it.

 

"Players with so much experience and value on the field couldn't keep the result against a bunch of kids who get paid much, much less.

 

"And if Ante Covic [goalkeeper ] was chosen by Fox as man of the match that says a lot about the game."

 

Wily Bleiberg pulled out a mathematical equation that he said meant United were still in with a long shot of making the six.

 

He said with 27 points left on offer, the side needed 20 to make the six.

 

And in true Bleiberg style, he said the dramatic finish was part of his planning.

 

He added: "We wanted to see the Tasmanian people smile and see the excitement of football. If we'd equalised beforehand…"

 

Meanwhile, Victory coach Jim Magilton cut a disconsolate figure after the game.

 

He described the club's record of second half fadeouts as a "disease" but praised the inventiveness of Thwaite's stellar equaliser.

 

"We have to be resilient enough to win a game. It's very, very frustrating."

 

Follow me on Twitter @Aidothejourno

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