Red Devils Move Third
Words: Staff Writers
Image: Anthony Napoli/Brisbane City FC
Redlands United sured up their hopes of a maiden Finals Series appearance with a 1-0 win over Brisbane City at Corporate Travel Management Stadium on Saturday night.
PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland golden boot leader Graham Fyfe struck his 17th goal of 2015 from the penalty spot midway through the first-half to guide the Red Devils to an eighth straight win in the league.
The result moves Redlands to third on the league table and four points behind league-leaders Moreton Bay United with two matches remaining.
The fast-paced contest saw both sides offer a constant threat in transition over the course of the ninety minutes.
City leading goalscorer Antonio Murray fashioned an early chance from close range for the hosts, however saw his attempt blocked.
Redlands duo Zac Graveson and Nico Bechar also chanced their hand midway through the half but were denied by a pair of telling stops from City goalkeeper Matt Stein.
City midfielder Mat Biggins almost broke the deadlock just before the half hour with a well-placed long-range strike that bounced back off the post.
Redlands continued to knock at the door though as Grant Brix again called up on Stein from long range.
The visitors delivered the breakthrough immediately after the half hour when City defender Kai Smith felled Bechar in the box allowing Fyfe to convert the ensuing penalty.
The Red Devils carried their lead into the second half, but clear-cut chances proved few and far between after the restart.
Both sides proved relentless as they fashioned several half-chances, however failed to truly test either goalkeeper.
City spurned the chance to equalise with twenty minutes remaining when club leading goalscorer Antonio Murray poked wide of the post.
The to-and-fro continued until the final minutes as Redlands held on to the one goal advantage to record their second win over City in 2015.
Speaking post-match, Redlands technical director Matt Chandler said the club was gathering momentum ahead of a looming maiden PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series appearance.
“We are playing well and we are defending well and I think we are in with a good show of getting into the finals,“ Chandler said.
City coach Darron Heselden said the fast-paced nature of the contest was a consequence of both teams attacking ethos.
“I’m not surprised (by the tempo) and they are a really good side. I think they have the best front five in the comp,” Heselden said.
Brisbane City FC 0
Redlands United FC 1 (Graham FYFE 34’)
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