Redlands Drop Pre-Season Opener
Words: Michael Flynn
Redlands United fought back from two goals down only to eventually succumb 3-2 to Capalaba FC in their pre-season opener on Thursday night at Cleveland Showgrounds.
Off-season recruit Stephen Green struck a goal in each half for the Red Devils but it wasn’t enough as Capalaba gained bragging rights over their near neighbor courtesy of goals to David Roby, George Barbarouses and Sam Basnett.
Redlands saw the better of the early possession but proved rusty in their first match since last year’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Semi Final defeat.
After threatening primarily on the counter attack, Capalaba found the opener midway through half after Redlands failed to clear from a corner – former Brisbane Strikers player Roby guiding home a headed finish.
Minutes later the Brisbane Premier League outfit doubled their lead when former Redlands fan favourite Barbarouses controlled with the chest and thumped home a stunning volleyed strike on the turn from the edge of the area.
However, the hosts pulled a goal back prior to the break when a strike from Michael Lee was parried in to the path of the following-in Green to allow an opportunistic finish.
The introduction of Nico Bechar at the start of the second half added much needed impetus to the Redlands attack but they had to wait until midway through the half to draw level – Green rolling a clinical finish past the on-rushing goalkeeper to round out his brace.
The busy former Moreton Bay United player nearly capped off his impressive performance with quarter hour remaining but was denied a hat-trick as his header struck the post.
The visitors took full advantage as Basnett managed to out pace Redlands fullback Adam Chandler to a fifty-fifty through ball before guiding home a well-placed, lobbed finish over substitute goalkeeper Matt Lugo.
Redlands continue their pre-season on Wednesday against Western Pride in the BLK Silver Boot at Lions Stadium.
Pre-Season Friendly
Thursday, January 14
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City
Redlands United FC 2 (Stephen GREEN 40’ 70’)
Capalaba FC 3 (David ROBY 25’, George BARBAROUSES 29’, Sam BASNETT 80’)
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