Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Ray Gardner

Royce Brownlie netted his first hat-trick of 2016 as Moreton Bay United stunned Premiership hopefuls Redlands United 6-2 at Wolter Park.

The Jets cast aside recent form woes to run riot against the high-flying Red Devils – storming to a three goal advantage inside the opening twenty minutes via Brownlie, Jonathan Marraiya and Jordan Farina.

Brownlie struck again before half-time before Redlands finally responded either side of the break with goals from Michael McGowan and Michael Lee.

However, a strong finish from the hosts saw the scoreline blow out in the concluding stages as Jackson Hall added his name to the scoresheet before Brownlie wrapped up his haul.

The win sees Jets become the first side to record a league double over Redlands this season and lifts the Jets into fifth place and only two points outside the top four.

For Redlands their second straight defeat sees them clinging onto third place on goal difference amd they could drop to fourth before round’s end depending on other results.

Key Moments

4’ - CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Michael Lee has time and space six yards out but Jets defender Jacob Mitchell makes a superb block

11’ - GOAL FOR JETS – A Jordan Farina crosses from the Jets left and finds Jonathan Marraiya in space on the far post as he controls then fires home from eight yards

13’ - GOAL FOR JETS – Another Farina cross this time finds Royce Brownlie whose header hits the far post, but the Jets skipper hooks in the rebound from close range

19’ - GOAL FOR JETS – Brownlie returns the favour, crossing from the Jets left to Farina on the far post, who cuts inside and guides the ball home at close range

37’ - CHANCE FOR JETS – Taiga Ishikura lefts fly from 25 yards and his low shot is tipped round the post by Redlands goalkeeper Matthew Lugo

39’ - GOAL FOR JETS – A deep, hanging cross from Alex Janovsky is headed in by Brownlie, despite being surrounded by Redlands defenders

43’ - GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Michael McGowan flicks home a near-post header from a free kick

58’ - GOAL FOR REDLANDS – A quick break down the Jets right and low cross along the six-yard line finds  Lee arriving at pace to side-foot home

66’ - CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Michael Lee has time eight yards out but his shot is straight at Jets goalkeeper Bon Scott

72’ - CHANCE FOR JETS – A long ball finds Jackson Hall racing through on the edge of the penalty area but Lugo races out to block the opportunity

84’ - GOAL FOR JETS – Brownlie’s free kick is partially blocked but Hall pounces on the second chance to score with a rising cross shot

90’ - GOAL FOR JETS – Substitute Raymond Schultz picks up a loose ball and crosses to Brownlie to complete his hat-trick with a header from five yards

What They Said

“Tonight was all about our attitude, our application, our communication and our organisation. Those four things really stood out tonight. Redlands found it hard to break us down and then we could counter. We played good attacking football and scored six goals.“ – Royce Brownlie, Moreton Bay United FC

“I think it’s a blip. We’ve lost our last two but before that we won our last four and we are in the last 32 of the FFA Cup. Things like this happen and we need to address some things and have a look at ourselves and see how we can bounce back. We were beaten by a well determined side and Royce (Brownlie) was excellent tonight.” – Matt Chandler, Redlands United FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 14

Saturday, June 18
Wolter Park, Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay United FC – 6 (Jonathan MARRAIYA 11’, Royce BROWNLIE 13’ 39’ 90’, Jordan FARINA 19’, Jackson HALL 84’)
Redlands United FC – 2 (Michael MCGOWAN 43’, Michael LEE 58’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/1USaFIW

Match Officials – Lara LEE (referee), Renae COGHILL (assistant), Sarah PRATT (assistant), Brad BURTON (fourth)