Words & Image: Redlands United

Redlands United firmed as genuine finals contenders on Sunday, moving into fifth place with a 4-0 win over FNQ FC Heat at Cleveland Showgrounds.

Elliot Ronto scored a first half double for the hosts in a dominant display that also saw Graham Fyfe and Jaydan Prasad chip in for the bayside club.

In an open and free-flowing contest, both sides started promisingly before Redlands took the lead on nine minutes when Ronto volleyed home from Michael Lee’s cross after the pair combined down the right flank.

Heat looked to hit back courtesy of a 13^th minute free kick, however Alex Smith’s strike was easily held by Andy Ralph in the Redlands goal.

The hosts increasingly took control as the half progressed with Heat goalkeeper Daniel Valcicak forced to save at the feet of Prasad on 23 minutes.

Redlands doubled their advantage just after the half hour when Nico Bechar picked out Fyfe at the top of the penalty area – the experienced midfielder guiding his strike into the top corner of the goal.

The usually free scoring Heat continued to struggle to break down the Redlands defence despite promising positions, with midfielder Smith’s chipped attempt one of few shots on target in the opening stanza.

Bechar continued to prove dangerous for the hosts in wide areas and teed up Ronto for his second, skirting two players on the left before cutting back for the forward to net his fourth goal of the campaign.

Heat came out with renewed vigour in the second half - Jamie Carroll sending his strike just past the far post on 49 minutes.

Just prior to the hour Bechar’s clever flicked pass played in Lee, the attacking midfielder drawing the attention of Valcicak before squaring for Prasad to slot home an easy finish.

 

Crios O’Hare shot straight at Ralph on 67 minutes before the resulting clearance saw Fyfe set-up Prasad at the other end only for Heat substitute Josh Pin to deny the young forward on the line.

In the final minutes Heat fashioned their best chance of the contest when Carroll burst down the right wing. The attacker lifting a clever shot over Ralph before the recovering Kai Halliday cleared off the line.

O’Hare looked to head home from the follow-up, however sent his effort wide to sum up the Heat’s afternoon.

The result marks Redlands fourth win from their past five outings and sees the Red Devils draw level with Heat, Brisbane Strikers and Brisbane City on 29 points in a congested battle for a top four finish.

Redlands United 4 (Elliot RONTO 9' 38', Graham FYFE 32', Jaydan PRASAD 57')
FNQ FC Heat 0