SURFERS ON CREST OF A WAVE

Nerang 1 (N. Jeffrey)

Surfers Paradise 2 (J. Hayne 2 [1 pen])

HT 0:1

SURFERS Paradise recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season thanks to Kiwi import Jason Hayne’s double against topsy-turvey Nerang.

The former New Zealand Under 23 international and Kiwi national league player has only been with the Keith Garland-coached side for three weeks but his impact has been quite astonishing.

A hat-trick last week in the five-goal drubbing of Burleigh Heads and another brace last night has transformed Surfers’ season into one of hope rather than the desperate relegation struggle they faced just a month ago.

Three wins in four games has catapulted Surfers to the middle of the table and Garland heaped praise on the 21-year-old who has given his side a cutting edge up front.

“He brings another dimension to our game and he’s made a massive difference to the club. His attitude is spot-on and he has the ability to score goals and create goals, which he’s doing ever so well for us. He’s given everyone a lift,” Garland said.

He continued: “He most certainly has a future ahead of him. He works hard, he plays hard and he listens – a real team player. Jason is a natural goalscorer and they are few and far between over here at the moment.”

Hayne opened the scoring in the first half to give Surfers a deserved lead but a good spell of pressure saw Nick Jeffrey equalise for the home side.

With just ten minutes left on the clock Surfers were awarded a penalty when new signing Josh Fiebig was hauled down in the box and up stepped Hayne to confidently dispatch the spot kick and win it for the visitors.

After suffering so much frustration in the early part of the season his side’s form is a welcome relief, and reward, for Garland.

“When you’re winning you become more confident and at the moment we’re playing good football. We’re not out of the woods yet but the pressure is off us a little bit.

“We deserved to win and now we’re looking forward to finishing the season strongly,” he said.