Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Simon Smale
Images: Ray Gardner

Redlands are through the next round of the Westfield FFA Cup following a workmanlike 2-1 win over Pine Rivers United at Wendy Allison Park.

Redlands were far from their glittering best against their fourth-tier opposition despite holding a two goal advantage early in the second half courtesy of Nicolas Bechar and Tyler Brayley-Combe.

The hosts pulled a goal back from the penalty spot shortly after the hour via Samuel West but from thereon were effectively stifled as Redlands saw out the result.

The win sees Redlands join fellow PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues club Brisbane City in the next round of the national knock-out competition in Brisbane zone qualifying, with Brisbane Strikers and Moreton Bay United due to play their Round 5 matches next week.

Redlands are seeking to qualify for the national Round of 32 for the first time this year.

Key Moments

25’ - GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Following a mazy run in from the right flank, Nicolas Bechar delivers an unconvincing strike that somehow slips through the hands of Pine Rivers goalkeeper Jonathan Walsh

33’ – CHANCE FOR PINE RIVERS – Cameron Scott delivers a headed effort at close range from Lewis Dent’s cross but it goes just wide of the target

34’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Bechar picks out Paul O’Brien with a through-ball but the ensuing shot flashes across the face of goal from an acute angle

44’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – A goalmouth scramble following Bechar’s cross sees O’Brien, Tyler Brayley-Combe and Russell Woodruffe all blocked by a determined defensive effort from the hosts

49’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Brayley-Combe strikes from the edge of the penalty area deflects off a defender and bobbles out of reach of the diving Walsh to double the advantage

62’ – CHANCE FOR PINE RIVERS – A corner kick ultimately sees the ball fall invitingly for Thomas Usher, who picks his spot but is denied by a sharp diving save from Redlands goalkeeper Jonathon Burrowes

64’ – GOAL FOR PINE RIVERS – Adam Chandler is pinged for a handball inside the penalty are after seeking to block a speculative effort from Cameron Scott, enabling Samuel West to send Burrows the wrong-way from the ensuing penalty kick

66’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Michael Lee lines up a free-kick from the edge of the area and it seems destined for the top corner before being snapped up by Walsh

90+3’ - CHANCE FOR REDLANDS - Daniello Romano has the chance to make sure of the result but fires his powerful drive straight at Walsh

What They Said

“It was a very good cup game. I’ve been lucky enough to work in four countries in football and every cup is the same as it was tonight. Our hats off to them because they battled us all the way. But I thought we were resilient and I thought our defending was good in the box when it had to be against a vocal home crowd. It’s tough but we want to progress as far as we can in this competition.”  – Matt Chandler, Redlands United FC coach

Match Details

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Preliminary Round 5

Wednesday, April 27
Wendy Allison Park, Moreton Bay

Pine Rivers United FC – 1 (Samuel WEST 64’)
Redlands United FC – 2 (Nicolas BECHAR 34’, Tyler BRAYLEY-COMBE 49’)

CLICK HERE for the official Westfield FFA Cup Match Centre