Words: Michael Flynn

Scott Dykman netted a second half hat-trick as Redlands United stormed to a 7-0 win over Woombye FC in a pre-season friendly on Saturday night.

Dykman’s haul was complemented by a brace from Russell Woodruffe, while Igor Sao Jose and Nico Bechar also found the back of the net for the Red Devils.

The win is the team's first inside 90 minutes this pre-season after two losses and a win on penalties in their previous three outings.

Redlands dominated from the early stages against their Sunshine Coast opposition as Woodruffe struck the crossbar only five minutes into the contest.

He capitalised on build-up from Bechar shortly after to open accounts – delivering a first-time strike from near the penalty spot to the French winger’s cutback.

A sharp series of first-touch passes in the penalty area set up Sao Jose before the half hour to double the advantage.

Woodruffe collected his brace after the restart after again benefitting from a Bechar pass – the veteran poking home the finish past the onrushing goalkeeper.

Dykman replaced Woodruffe after the hour and made a shaky start when he was denied from a penalty kick but made amends soon after with a tap-in at the back post to open his account.

Bechar received just reward for his performance just minutes later when beat two players on the edge of the penalty area before driving in a strong right-footed strike.

Dykman then rounded out the result with two further goals in the final ten minutes – notching his second with a volleyed finish from the centre of the penalty area before turning in a cutback from Sao Jose to round out his hat-trick.

Redlands continue their pre-season preparations in the BLK Silver Boot on Wednesday night against Brisbane Premier League outfit Holland Park Hawks.

Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday, January 30
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City

Redlands United FC  7 (Russell WOODRUFFE 10’ 55’, Igor SAO JOSE 25’, Scott DYKMAN 70’ 80’ 85’, Nico BECHAR 73’)
Woombye FC  0