Words: Michael Flynn, Brisbane City
Image: Frank De Luca, Brisbane City

A dramatic injury time equaliser has seen Brisbane City secure a share of the points in a see-sawing 2-2 draw against Redlands United at Spencer Park on Sunday.

City twice came from behind - courtesy of Matt Biggins and Nick Buckley – to level terms after forward Jayden Prasad netted a first half brace on debut for Redlands.

The hosts started the contest brightly when striker Jarrod Kyle truck the near post from close range in only the second minute.

However, 17 year old Prasad announced his arrival on the senior stage just five minutes later with a spectacular volley at the far post as City failed to clear after goalkeeper Luke Borean palmed away Russell Woodruffe’s earlier effort.

Further chances fell to the visitors as Jamie Saul and Graham Fyfe tested Borean from range before Kyle forced Bradley Stout into a near post save down the other end.

City levelled terms via captain Matt Biggins on 22 minutes when midfielder turned in a header on the burst courtesy of fullback Luca Jannese’s bouncing cross.

Half chances were spurned at both ends before City survived a rare indirect free kick inside the penalty area after Borean picked up fullback Cameron Tew’s pass only metres from the goal line.

Redlands regained the advantage prior to the half when Woodruffe squeezed a pass to Michael Lees who, in turn, played through the pacey Prasad to slot home a composed finish.

After the restart, Lees again set-up Prasad, forcing the busy Borean into a low save before the City custodian tipped clear a swerving Fyfe effort shortly after.

However, the hosts wrested back control and held it for much of the remainder, with midfielder Ken Dougall becoming increasingly involved in the middle of the pitch.

Buckley and Biggins peppered the Redlands goal but were repeatedly denied by the sharp reflexes of Stout.

Substitutes Nice Bechar and Elliot Ronto almost sealed the points for Redlands with fifteen minutes remaining – only a desperate lunge from City centre half Yoshihiro Sakurai denying the visitors three points.

City baulked at further chances to level as Biggins, Kyle and substitute Dhours Chol all struck wide of the target as the final whistle neared.

However, an injury time surge from the hosts paid dividends when Dougall’s cross found Buckley at the far post – the midfielder striking a textbook volley to earn his side a hard-fought draw.

The result returns City to the top half of the ladder in sixth place and three points behind the Redlands, who remain fifth in the standings.

Brisbane City 2 (Matt BIGGINS 23’, Nicky BUCKLEY 90+3’)
Redlands United 2 (Jayden PRASAD 7’ 41’)