Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Ray Gardner/Redlands United FC

Redlands United's buoyant dressing room will ride the wave of fine form into Thursday night’s Westfield FFA Cup qualifier against Ipswich Knights.

The Red Devils are unbeaten in five in all competitions since claiming the Cup scalp of Olympic FC and now sit within two matches of the Round of 32.

Powerful striker Lyndon Dykes, who has netted twice in his past two outings, has been integral to the team’s form reversal and attributes the turnaround and his own fine form to a tight-knit atmosphere.

“I’m feeling good at the moment. I’ve gelled with the boys at lot, with the attacking force,” Dykes said.

“Off the field we’re all good mates with each other and we’re gelling great so it’s just working on the field and off the field.”

Dykes joined the Cleveland club this year after spending time with Scottish Championship outfit Queen of the South, which was followed by a short stint with hometown club Merrimac FC.

The 19-year-old praised his new side’s commitment to a high energy gameplan which calls on defensive diligence to constrict opposition teams, predicting progress on all fronts.

“At training we practice that sharp defence, pressing high and winning the ball back,” he said.

“Fyfey (Redlands United player-coach Graham Fyfe) is good tactically with the team.

“If we keep it up we should be pushing up to the top of the leaderboard.”

While admitting he knows little about Thursday’s opposition, Dykes is hopeful of winning through to the Round of 32 with the opportunity for nationwide recognition on offer.

“It would be great for all the boys, especially the young boys and myself as well to get the face out there,” the Gold Coast product said.

“In FFA Cup games anyone can win. Hopefully I score a couple of goals and we go through.”

Westfield FFA Cup Brisbane Zone Round 6 Qualifying

Redlands United FC v Ipswich Knights FC
Cleveland Showgrounds, Brisbane
Thursday, 4 June
Kick-off – 7.15PM