Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Redlands United/Ray Gardner

Redlands United coach Matt Chandler remains confident his side can challenge for the NPL Queensland Finals Series on the back of a favourable run home.

The bayside club currently sits eighth in the league standings, four points outside the top four finals places following an up and down July that included an impressive 4-0 win over FNQ FC Heat as well as a 5-1 home loss to fellow mid-table side Sunshine Coast Fire.

Of their remaining six matches, the Red Devils will face in-form Olympic, Brisbane City and FNQ FC Heat, but also have three matches against side struggling on the bottom rungs of the ladder.

“We’ve got a couple of tough games but we also have a couple of games that we think we can get points from – we still have to play South West Queensland Thunder twice for example,” he said.

“If we can win four or five games of our last games then I think we are in with an excellent shout,” he says.

Tonight Redlands host Olympic FC at Cleveland Showgrounds after receiving a bye last round.

Chandler said his side will be fresher than Olympic, who played a tough Westfield FFA Cup fixture midweek, but that they won’t underestimate the second-placed Brisbane club.

“Playing them on the Friday night after that game on Tuesday night is quite a back-up for them, but whatever team they put on the park is going to be a challenge for us. I hope that we can take them all the way, but obviously they are still a class side.”” he said.

“Our home form has been good and Friday night football at the club is always an exciting night and I think it will be an excellent game for people to come watch.”

He added that the returns of Olympic and Brisbane Strikers in the Round of 32 was evidence of the effect NPL Queensland has had on Queensland football over the past two seasons.

“I think it shows the strength of the league compared to the other states. It’s really good.”

“It’s been an excellent competition this year because it is so tight and think everyone on any given day can get results.”

Tonight's kick-off between Redlands United and Olympic FC is scheduled for 7:15pm at Cleveland Showgrounds.