Words: Callum Dick
Images: Ray Gardner

Redlands United remain firmly in the finals picture after overcoming a second half send-off to post a resolute 1-0 win over Western Pride at Cleveland Showgrounds.

A first half goal from Paul O’Brien – his first in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues – proved decisive for Redlands, who were rarely troubled by their opponents.

Defender Grant Brix was dismissed for a last man challenge early in the second half, however Pride were unable to take advantage of the extra man against a stoic Redlands defence.

The result arrests a three game losing run for Redlands and returns the bayside club to the top four – with fellow finals aspirants Brisbane City still able to reclaim the position later in the round.

Pride remain second from last as the defeat extends an eight game winless run dating back to May.

Key Moments

4’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – A clever header from Grant Brix sends Russell Woodruffe in on goal, but a heavy touch gives Pride goalkeeper Duncan Short time to pressure and clear for the visitors

23’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Delors Tuyishime powers a header from 15 yards that forces Short to scramble back into his net to cover

25’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – A golden opportunity goes begging when the ball falls to Michael McGowan on six yards, but the defender pushes his shot wide under pressure

33’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Paul O’Brien breaks the deadlock, striking from 18 yards after a cutback from Michael Lee on the byline falls on a platter for the midfielder

37’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Corey Lucas curls a free kick around the Redlands wall, but Redlands goalkeeper Brendan White is never troubled as the ball falls wide of the right-hand post

41’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – After dribbling the length of the pitch, Lee’s cross finds Igor Sao Jose in the box but the Redlands skipper shooting narrowly over the crossbar

44’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Jake Sherwood launches from 30 yards, calling on Short to make a stunning aerial save in diving to his left

53’ – RED CARD FOR REDLANDS – Brix is shown a red card as the last defender after fouling Bonventure Thomas-Remijo

81’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Paul O’Brien hits the byline and crosses for Lucas Chaim, but the substitute is half a second too late to the ball and it rolls out

84’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Sherwood finds a gaping hole in the Pride defence, but a heavy touch doesn’t allow him time to settle and his shot drifts across goal

What They Said

“I think the first half was excellent, and in the second half we showed great resilience and character after losing a player (to a red card). We showed some beautiful attacking football in the first half and in the second some resilient defensive work. For us to limit their opportunities to half-chances was a credit to the whole group. We’ve lost the last three games and some of those we shouldn’t have lost, but I thought tonight the boys responded really well to everything we said.” - Matt Chandler, Redlands United FC coach

“It’s probably the worst we’ve played since I’ve been at the club, to be honest. (I’m) disappointed that we didn’t take advantage at key moments in the game, but you have to give Redlands credit for hanging tough and scoring when they were on top. I think we fell into that common trap that sides do (against ten men) - we let them dictate the pace when it should have been us dictating the pace.” - Graham Harvey, Western Pride FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 18

Friday, July 22
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City

Redlands United FC – 1 (Paul O’BRIEN 33’)
Western Pride FC – 0

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29PJjVO