Words: Aaron Cooper
Additional reporting: Simon Smale

Nathan Bird’s last-gasp goal has earned Brisbane City a valuable three points over Redlands United at Corporate Travel Management Stadium on Saturday night.

Denver Crickmore was monumental between the posts for the visitors, but his efforts weren’t enough as Bird’s 89th minute strike secured the points for City.

Sam Sibautara opened the scoring after just four minutes with a low strike that evaded Crickmore.

City were then awarded a penalty after Kai Halliday was pulled up for handball in the area. Bird converted from the spot to double the hosts’ lead.

Redlands fought their way back into the contest with two strikes before the break from the boots of Alexander Warrilow and Michael Ryan.

City dominated second-half chances, but were unable to pass the defensive wall that was Crickmore, before Halliday was once again pulled up for handball, and Bird was able to convert from the spot.

City consolidate their hold on fourth position before travelling north next round to face the Fire, while Redlands languish in tenth ahead of a home clash with the Young Roar.

Key Moments

4’ – GOAL CITY – Sam Sibatuara cuts in from the left and hits a low, bouncing shot into the far corner of the goal.

11’ – CHANCE CITY – Kai Smith hits a brilliant cross from the right onto the head of Carter Glockner whose header crashes against the crossbar.

17’ – GOAL CITY – A Kai Smith header is handled in the box by Kai Halliday, giving Nathan Bird the opportunity to slot home from the spot.

28’ – GOAL REDLANDS – Alexander Warrilow chips the ball past the onrushing Bon Scott from well outside the area after being played through one on one.

41’ – GOAL REDLANDS – Michael Ryan ghosts in at the near post and pokes the ball past Scott in the City goal.

69’ – CHANCE CITY – Moto Kakehi does brilliantly to cross from the byeline but Sam Sibatuara just turns the ball past outside the post.

74’ – CHANCE CITY – Crickmore brilliantly turns a powerful Simon Biel effort aside from inside the penalty area.

83’ – CHANCE CITY – Simon Biel’s scuffed shot from outside the area is helped on by Bird but is brilliantly saved by Crickmore with his right hand.

86’ – CHANCE CITY – Crickmore brilliantly denies Bird from inside the penalty area with a fabulous reflex save.

89’ – GOAL CITY - Kai Halliday handles the ball in the area again and Nathan Bird confidently chips the ball home.

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Queensland - Round 10
Corporate Travel Management Stadium
Saturday, May 13

Brisbane City 3 (Sam SIBAUTARA 4', Nathan BIRD 17'p, 89'p)

Redlands United 2 (Alexander WARRILOW 28', Michael RYAN 41')