Words: Terry Parle, Redlands United
Image: Ray Gardner, Redlands United

Northern Fury returned to winnings ways on Sunday, defeating the high-flying Redlands United 2-1 at Cleveland Showgrounds.

Braedyn Crowley continued his goal scoring form netting both goals for Fury, while Redlands goal came courtesy of a deflected strike from Russell Woodruffe credited as an own goal.

The visitors had the better of the first half against a depleted Redlands outfit that suffered further injury concerns when captain Cam Draper left the field on 15 minutes with an ankle injury.

Redlands goalkeeper Brad Stout was kept busy as he tipped Corey Waples strike round the post after the Fury man’s effort took a deflection.

Kevin Fraser and Jani Peut also came close for the visitors in the opening half – both denied by the crossbar.

Neither side troubled the scorers in the first half, but Redlands started the second period positively as Fury custodian Matthew Symes denied Nicolas Bechar and Elliot Ronto with a sharp double save.

Symes followed those efforts with another fine stop from Graham Fyfe.

Crowley broke the deadlock after the hour when Redlands failed to clear a corner – the ball dropping to the feet of Fury’s prolific goal scorer for a simple finish.

Redlands pushed to restore parity, but it took until the 80th minute for a Russell Woodruffe cross-cum-shot to be deflected by Mattieu Peyre for the game to draw level.

Fraser picked out Crowley to seal the result in Fury’s favour with an emphatic finish in the final minutes.

Fury return home to Townsville for a mid week meeting with Harimau Muda 'A', while Redlands will look to bounce back next weekend against Brisbane City.

Redlands United 1 (own goal 80')
Northern Fury 2 (Braedyn CROWLEY 65, 88')