Words; Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Bree Reidy
Images: Ray Gardner

FNQ Heat are undefeated no more after the league-leaders were shut-out by a resolute Redlands United 2-0 at Cleveland Showgrounds.

Michael McGowan’s first half header provided the hosts a single goal half-time advantage before substitute Tyler Brayley-Combe struck his second goal in as many games to seal the win in the final minutes.

The visitors fashioned plenty of chances through-out the contest but ultimately failed to get the better of Redlands goalkeeper Matthew Lugo, who held firm to notch his side’s first clean sheet of the campaign.

The result brings to an end a club record unbeaten streak for Heat in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues.

For Redlands, the win is their fourth in a row and moves them to within one point of the Heat, who retain their place atop the league standings.

Key Moments

14’ - CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Graham Fyfe finds space just outside the box and fires on goal but it fades just wide of the target beyond diving Heat goalkeeper Kevin Ward

15’ - CHANCE FOR HEAT – Heat reply almost instantly through Joshua Pin down the far right but he misfires and hits the side netting

16’ - CHANCE FOR REDLANDS - Nicolas Bechar draws Heat’s defence before squaring for Nicholas Danicic but his strike is blocked

26’ - GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Fyfe’s curling free kick is powered across the line by firmly struck header from Michael McGowan

27’ - CHANCE FOR HEAT – Heat look for an instant equaliser through Kieran Sanders from 18 yards out but his effort sails high of the target

45+1’ - CHANCE FOR HEAT - After a flurry of Heat attack in the Devil’s box, Christopher O’Hare has the last attempt on goal only to meet a wall of Redlands bodies flying in front of goal

51’ - CHANCE FOR HEAT – Redlands try to clear the ball out of the box but it only goes as far as Pin, who fancies a crack on goal but aims straight at the waiting Redlands goalkeeper Matthew Lugo.

54’ – CHANCE FOR HEAT – Ari Isman has a gilt-edged chance at the left post amongst a crowded penalty area but Lugo reacts quickly to block

66’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – An ineffective Heat clearance sees the ball fall to Danicic inside the penalty area, but he can only steer his effort directly at the waiting Ward

70’ CHANCE FOR HEAT – Jamie Carroll attempts to lob Lugo on the turn but the Redlands goalkeeper again proves up to task

73’ - CHANCE FOR HEAT – Kieran Sanders is left unmarked in front of goal and gets a shot away but Lugo is springs to actions and collects.

88’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS - Substitute Tyler Brayley-Combes finds himself on the end of a cross from Bechar and doesn’t make any mistake as he smashes in Redlands second from close range

What They Said

“We did a lot of research on them and obviously they are top for a reason. I thought we defended resiliently as a group today. We knew how they played but it’s always hard to play against a team that’s top of the league.“ – Matt Chander, Redlands United coach

“We are still on top and I was hoping we would be a few more points clear than we are today. But hats off to Redlands – they had a good game plan, came out, got in amongst us, unsettled us a little bit I think and they did really well. We couldn’t keep up with them in the first half that’s for sure.“ – Tim Campbell, FNQ Heat coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 - Round 8

Saturday, April 23
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City

Redlands United FC 2 (Michael MCGOWAN 26', Tyler BRAYLEY-COMBE 89')
FNQ FC Heat 0

Further details in the official Match Centre

Referee: Alan MILLINER
Assistant: Joey LEE
Assistant: Tarran RICHARDS
Fourth: Ethan QUINLAN