Words: Callum Dick & Michael Flynn
Images: Ray Gardner

Four second half goals has seen Redlands United deliver a remarkable 4-3 come-from-behind win over SWQ Thunder FC in a fiery clash at Cleveland Showgrounds.

Both sides finished the match a player down as brace scorers Michael McGowan and Majok Piok both saw red in the closing stages of the see-sawing contest.

The decisive blow ultimately came with five minutes remaining when Redlands veteran Graham Fyfe delivered his fifth goal of the league campaign.

Earlier, Thunder stormed to a two goal half-time advantage courtesy of Keagan Sheridan and Piok before the hosts comeback commenced early in the second stanza when Michael Lee pulled a goal back.

Piok’s second restored Thunder’s advantage before Redlands stormed back to level terms from the penalty spot – both converted by McGowan.

The win ends a two match losing streak for the Red Devils and sees the bayside club firm their hold on third place in the league standings.

Key Moments

20’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Thunder goalkeeper Luke Borean is hobbled after coming from his line to cover a cross and being collected in mid-air by Stephen Green as the striker flies for the header.

29’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – GrahamFyfe tests Borean’s mobility from a free kick, sending the Thunder ‘keeper to his far post to cover a curling strike

34’ – GOAL FOR THUNDER – Keagan Sheridan heads home past Redlands goalkeeper Jonathon Burrowes from a corner to give the visitors the lead against the run of play

38’ – GOAL FOR THUNDER – A penalty is awarded as the Thunder attack is impeded inside the box attempting to play at a free kick; Majok Piok converts from the subsequent spot kick to double Thunder’s lead

50’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Michael Lee shoots off one stop from 18 yards and Borean can only watch as the ball files into the back of the net

51’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Lee nearly makes it two in as many minutes, played behind the Thunder defence but unable to beat Borean on the tight angle.

53’ – GOAL FOR THUNDER – Piok turns the Redlands defence inside-out, committing Russell Woodruffe to a tackle before powering home a strike from long range

65’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – A reversal of the earlier decision, with a Redlands player this time bundled over contesting a free kick to allow Michael McGowan to slot the subsequent penalty kick

83’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS -  NicolasBechar is taken down in the box making a run along the bi-line, sending McGowan to the penalty spot again where he slots his second

85’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS - Bechar finds space down the right edge before crossing inside for Fyfe, who fakes to shoot from his left, strikes with his right and beats Borean in the left corner to complete the Redlands comeback

86’ – RED CARD FOR REDLANDS – McGowan is shown a second yellow card after a late challenge in midfield, and the Redlands skipper is ejected from the contest

89’ – RED CARD FOR THUNDER – After being repeatedly cautioned by referee Adam Kersey, Piok is shown a second yellow for arguing

What They Said

“I’ve definitely been better, I’ll probably have to miss the next match against the Roar Youth (because of my injury). Looking at the positives the boys dug deep and really had a go, but in the end (Redlands’s) experience helped them run over the top.” – Luke Borean, SWQ Thunder FC goalkeeper

“I’d like to see us go in front at the start of games rather than come from behind. At 3-1 I thought we might be a little too far back (to win the game), but we did very well – we played better without the ball, we pressed them really well, played higher up the field and we got (our goals) through that.” – Matt Chandler, Redlands United FC coach 

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 15

Saturday, June 25
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City

Redlands United FC – 4 (Michael LEE 50’, Michael MCGOWAN 65’p 83’p, Graham FYFE 85’)
SWQ Thunder FC – 3 (Keagan SHERIDAN 34’, Majok PIOK 38’p 53’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/292Fzww

Match Officials - Adam KERSEY (referee), Joey LEE (assistant), James SHERRY (assistant), Brad BURTON (fourth)