Olympic Still In Title Hunt
Words: Terry Parle
Image: Alannah Pearson/Olympic FC
Olympic FC kept the pressure on league leader Palm Beach, scoring two late goals to secure a 2-0 win over Redlands United at Cleveland Showgrounds on Friday night.
Former Redlands player Rhys Meredith scored the opener from a free-kick on 73 minutes before Terry Hughes sealed the win with an injury time strike.
Olympic saw the lion’s share of possession early in the contest but couldn’t break down a resolute Redlands defence.
On 25 minutes Reuben Way wriggled free of his marker on the left to cross for Meredith, however his headed was held by Andrew Ralph in the Redlands goal.
Way, also a former Redlands United player, forced Ralph to turn his strike behind shortly after, however Jake McLean was unable to capitalise from the half-cleared corner kick.
Redlands attacking trio of Nico Bechar, Jayden Prasad and Elliot Ronto kept Olympic’s defence on their toes, but struggled to fashion a clear cut opportunity from open play.
Graham Fyfe’s free-kick prior to the break offered the hosts their best chance of the half, narrowly evading the head of Russell Woodruffe before skirting the far post.
Olympic continued to threaten after the restart as McLean forced Ralph to save before Kazuya Ito delivered a cut back for captain Danny Byrne to again call on Ralph.
Fyfe tested Olympic goalkeeper Brandon Cuminao from another free kick just after the hour before Meredith made the breakthrough with 17 minutes remaining in the contest – delivering a stinging 30 yard free kick that nestled in the top corner.
Redlands sought to fight back as first a Fyfe free kick and then an Elliot Ronto cross flashed past the Olympic goal.
Olympic substitute Sanjeev Henny saw his injury time strike from the top of the box turned around the post by Ralph. The set-piece was only half cleared by Redlands, allowing Hughes to seal the result with a well-placed finish.
The result marks five straight league wins for Olympic and caps off a stunning week for the club following Tuesday’s Westfield FFA Cup win over Melbourne Knights.
Redlands second straight defeat sees them remain in eighth position, four points outside the top four.
Redlands United 0
Olympic FC 2 (Rhys MEREDITH 73’, Terry HUGHES 90+1’)
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.