Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images

Redlands United coach Matt Chandler says his side’s historic win over Adelaide United has put the nation on notice to the quality of players in the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues.

Chandler’s side posted the biggest boilover in the short history of the Westfield FFA Cup after dramatically defeating the defending Hyundai A-League Champions 2-1 in extra time at Perry Park on Wednesday night.

The result came just 24 hours after Melbourne-based PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues club Green Gully eliminated Hyundai A-League club Central Coast Mariners.

While acknowledging the difference between the demands of cup and league football, Chandler said post-match that his side had shown there is a wealth of talent in the second tier.

“I think cup football is slightly different to league football, so in a one-off event anyone can beat anyone,” Chandler explained.

“There’s a number of very good football teams in the NPL, especially in Queensland.”

“It’s amazing now for Australian football that the NPL is producing more and more teams that can compete with A-League teams in a one-off battle.”

Chandler also alluded that Queensland’s playing stocks and clubs are often in the shadow of the richer and more hyped PlayStation 4 NPL New South Wales and PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria competitions.

“I think we’re underestimated in Melbourne and Sydney, where there are some superb sides, but there’s a number of good sides playing in this league in Queensland.”

“We are sitting about fourth or fifth and that shows the depth of the league in this state.”

Redlands are the second oldest football club still in existence in Queensland and Chandler said while the win was a great moment for the club, he is in seeing how far they can advance in the national knock-out competition.

“In our 98-year-history, this is the proudest moment we’ve had as a football club and as a coach this is an outstanding moment in my career,” Chandler gushed.

“We’re a really tight group and there’s a lot of really good people playing for our football club, so let’s see what happens.”

“As you’ve seen tonight, if you keep believing anything can happen.”

Redlands will now await the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 draw and said his side won’t back away from whatever challenge fate delivers.

“I don’t think many teams will want to play us now,” Chandler concluded.

Redlands return to the task of seeking to qualify for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series this week when they host Northern Fury at Cleveland Showgrounds.