Words: Terry Parle
Image: Michael Flynn

A late equaliser from Elliot Ronto saw Redlands United salvage a 1-1 draw against Palm Beach Sharks at Cleveland Showgrounds in their final home game of the NPL Queensland season.

Ronto’s injury time strike cancelled out Chris Lucas’ second half goal for the newly crowned 2014 NPL Queensland Premiers.

Redlands saw the better of the opening stanza, with Ronto twice denied by Sharks goalkeeper Shane Vitakangas.

Sharks best opening of the first half came just after the half hour when Redlands goalkeeper Andy Ralph denied Lucas’ sharp effort on the turn.

Chances remained at a premium until late in the half when Michael Lee almost broke the deadlock for the hosts – striking the post on 40 minutes after being played in by Jamie Saul.

Sharks threatened from a corner shortly after with Karl Dodd heading over the bar at the back post.

The start of the second half proved more cagey with both sides struggling to gain the upper hand.

Redlands midfielder Graham Fyfe fashioned the first clear opportunity on 51 minutes but his firmly struck shot flashed past the Palm Beach post.

The pace of the match rose as the hour approached, with both sides continuing to search for the opening goal

On 65 minutes Sharks midfielder Troy Ruthven broke through the Red Devils defence to force a save from Ralph. The rebound fell for Lucas, however Redlands defender Adam Chandler denied the Sharks striker with a timely headed clearance.

However, Lucas broke the deadlock ten minutes later, heading home from close range after being picked out by Jack Boxell’s cross.

Redlands pushed for an equaliser, exposing Ralph in goal, who did well to deny Sharks attacker Jarrod Kyle.

With the game entering added time, Nico Bechar broke down the Redlands right and picked out Ronto to equalise from close range for Redlands.

Both sides will close out the home-and-away season mid-week, with Sharks hosting fellow NPL Queensland finalists Olympic FC on Wednesday night, while Redlands close out their season against South West Queensland Thunder on Thursday.

Redlands United 1 (Elliot RONTO 90+1’)
Palm Beach 1 (Chris LUCAS 75’)