Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Stathi Mihalis
Image: Northern Fury FC

Redlands United have backed up their midweek Westfield FFA Cup win with a matter-of-fact 3-0 win over Northern Fury at Townsville Sports Reserve.

Nicolas Bechar delivered his first league goal of the season – and second in five days – to give the visitors the advantage at the break; before Graham Fyfe pounced on a pair of Fury defensive errors shortly after the hour to seal the points.

Fury weren’t without chances or possession, however failed to take advantage as Redlands goalkeeper Matthew Lugo notched his second consecutive clean sheet of the campaign.

The win is Redlands sixth in a row in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues and sees the Red Devils remain just a single point behind league leaders FNQ Heat.

For last-placed Fury, the result marks a second straight league match without a goal to extend their club record losing steak to nine matches in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues this season.

Key Moments

17’ – CHANCE FOR FURY – Samuel Herlihy is found in the box from a thrown-in and launches a shot following a crisp turn, but it’s straight into the arms of Redlands goalkeeper Matthew Lugo

20’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Redlands win possession in a dangerous area and quickly shift the ball to Nicolas Bechar, who stands up Michael Eisenhut before drilling his shot into the corner of the goal

40’ – CHANCE FOR FURY – Eisenhut looks to chip Lugo from long range after spotting the Redlands gloveman off his line, but his effort fades just wide of the post

42’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – an unmarked Bechar receives possession and fires in a cross to Igor Sao Jose but his headed attempt flies over the top of the crossbar

58’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Paul O’Brien lines up a free-kick from the top of the box but the effort is held by Fury goalkeeper Luke Macdonald

63’ – CHANCE FOR FURY – Corey Waples eyes a chance from a free-kick down the other end but his powerful strike scoots just wide of the far bottom corner

65’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Fury look to play out from the back but George Dalton’s pass is intercepted by Graham Fyfe, who spots Macdonald off his line and takes advantage with a clever lobbed finish

68’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Fury fail to clear their lines allowing Fyfe to pounce on a loose ball and fire home the finish to seal the points

What They Said

“I think we are our own worst enemies. We hurt ourselves by poor mistakes in bad areas. As soon as we fix that I think we will be right and we will start scoring goals. But we have to cut out the silly errors. It’s been a bad trend for the season so far.” – Corey Waples, Northern Fury FC captain

“For me Fyfey tonight was just exceptional – the goal that he scored was very good. Players like Fyfey make the difference at the right time of the game and it makes everything easier for everyone. But at the end of the day we play as a team and the result as a team is more important than any one player.“ – Igor Sao Jose, Redlands United FC captain

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 9

Saturday, April 30
Townsville Sports Reserve, Townsville

Northern Fury FC – 0
Redlands United FC – 3 (Nicolas BECHAR 20’, Graham FYFE 65’ 68')

CLICK HERE for the official Match Centre

Match Officials – Trent SLEEMAN (referee), Liam O'CONNOR (assistant), Matthew TOUMAZOU (assistant), Nathaniel WOOD (fourth)