Words: Michael Flynn, Palm Beach Sharks
Image: Keith Eigeland, Football Queensland

A second half hat-trick from Chris Lucas kept Palm Beach Sharks unbeaten record intact on Saturday night as the league leaders defeated Redlands United 4-2 at Mallawa Complex.

Redlands twice took the lead in the match through Russell Woodruffe and Nico Bechar, however Woodruffe’s dismissal midway through the second stanza saw Lucas add three unanswered goals to Troy Ruthven's first half header to claim the win.

Played in wet conditions, both sides battled strongly but produced few genuine chances in the opening exchanges.

Eoghan Murphy and Justyn McKay chanced their hand from distance early for the hosts, while Redlands’ Rhys Meredith benefitted from a cross field ball from Adam Chandler only to skew his shot wide.

Former A-League player Kristian Rees demonstrated his experience as the rain further intensified, quashing a number of promising forays from the visitors before Woodruffe made the breakthrough on the half – heading home from close range from Bechar’s looping cross.

Palm Beach battled their way back into the contest and levelled terms immediately prior to the break when Ruthven forced Andrew Ralph to push his free-kick behind. The defensive midfielder then loomed large to score from the ensuing corner with a strong header.

After the restart, Jonathon Camilleri fired just over the bar from an early corner; however, the ascendency was soon back with the visitors as Meredith and defender Cameron Draper both hit the side netting and Graham Fyfe forced a finger tip save from Sharks goalkeeper Shane Vitakangas.

Redlands got their reward just prior to the hour when Bechar produced a clinical finish on the break after being release by an early ball from midfield.

Meredith forced a further save from Vitakangas before the balance was tipped dramatically on 68 minutes when Woodruffe saw red for a second bookable offence after failing to retreat for a Sharks free kick.

Lucas restored parity shortly after when he beat Ralph on the near post with a sharp finish after his slanted run was picked out Riley Dillon’s defence splitting pass.

The hosts continued to thrive with the extra man as Mitchell Robinson and McKay threatened from distance, while Bechar and Meredith became increasingly isolated in attack for Redlands.

Sharks edged ahead for the first time with five minutes remaining as Dragicevic’s cross-cum-shot was tipped onto crossbar and fell invitingly for Lucas to tap home from close range.

The points were sealed two minutes later when Lucas was played in by Nik Mircovic – the striker rounding the keeper and slotting home a left footed shot to secure his hat-trick.

The post denied the prolific marksman a fourth, and clear top spot in the golden boot race where he stands equal on 18 goals with Moreton Bay Jet’s Royce Brownlie, in the final play of the match.

The result extends Shark’s unbeaten start to the season to ten games, while Redlands are without a win since April and drop to eighth in the standings.

Palm Beach Sharks 4 (Troy RUTHVEN 45+1’, Chris LUCAS 74’ 85’ 87’)
Redlands United 2 (Russell WOODRUFFE 30’, Nico BECHAR 58’)