Redlands Maintain Momentum
Redlands United continued their winning start to the season with a 5-2 defeat of Western Pride at Cleveland Showgrounds on Friday night.
Fan-favourite Graham Fyfe scored the first of his two goals with a strike from the penalty spot inside the opening two minutes, with the hosts adding to their tally through Rhys Meredith and a brace to Nico Bechar.
Pride pulled back two goals through Will Jordan and Ben Hunt, but despite promising passages were ultimately unable to contain the Red Devils on their home turf.
An immaculate surface promised a quick-passing game of football as the teams lined up, however momentum swung to the hosts when Meredith was felled in the box in the opening foray of the contest.
Both teams soon found their rhythm, with chances at both ends, however neither side could find the second goal of the night until Meredith struck just prior to half time – dynamic French winger Bechar picking out his teammate at the far post with fine cross.
Pride worked hard all game, and shortly after the restart got their reward when Jordan poked his shot through the legs of advancing Redlands goalkeeper Andrew Ralph from eight yards.
However, the goal only served to stir the Red Devils who reestablished a two goal buffer when Bechar netted his first of the evening, taking on the Pride defensive line before slotting home a classy finish.
Pride entertained thoughts of a comeback when Hunt pulled one back on the hour before Bechar again responded in quick time to effectively secure the win.
Ralph’s long release found the former Sunshine Coast Fire player at half-way, with Bechar displaying his combination of control and pace on a smart run before placing a neat finish past the advancing Andres Pascoe in the Pride goal.
The visitors continued to advance but to no avail as Graham Fyfe sealed the result with two minutes remaining, producing a world-class chip from the edge of the penalty area.
The win lifts Redlands to the top of the NPL Queensland table, with the round’s remaining fixtures to be played Saturday evening.
Redlands United 5 (Graham FYFE 2’ 88’, Rhys MEREDITH 44’, Nicolas BECHAR 49’ 63’)
Western Pride 2 (Will JORDAN 47’, Ben HUNT 60’)
Image by: Redlands United/Ray Gardner
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