Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Sam Attwood
Images: Sam Attwood

A dramatic late penalty from Michael McGowan proved the difference as Redlands United saw off a spirited Sunshine Coast FC fightback 2-1 at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

McGowan delivered the decisive strike as the match entered the final five minutes – the goal his first in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues competition.

Earlier, Redlands took a one goal advantage into half-time courtesy of Adam Chandler but were reeled in by the hosts when Matthew Lyell levelled terms midway through the second stanza.

The result marks a second straight win for Redlands, who now storm to second in the league table and reduce FNQ Heat’s lead atop the standings to four points.

It also continues an up-and-down start to the campaign for Fire, who drop back to tenth place on the table.

Key Moments

3’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Graham Fyfe lines up a free-kick from just outside the penalty area but sees his curling strike go just over

10’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Nicolas Bechar’s corner kick finds the head of Michael McGowan but he can’t find the target

20’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Michael Lee bursts onto a throughball down the right flank before cutting back to Graham Fyfe, but the veteran’s shot goes wide

27’ – CHANCE FOR FIRE – Jeremy Stewart takes possession from a throw-in in a promising position but his shot is saved by Redlands goalkeeper Brendan White

42’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Graham Fyfe’s corner kick is headed home strongly by Adam Chandler to open accounts

48’ – CHANCE FOR FIRE – A neat flick-on by Brady Cronk finds its way to Jeremy Stewart but his shot is easily accounted for by Brendan White

52’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Nicolas Bechar’s cross pinballs around the box before Stephen Green hoofs it over the top of the goal

70’ – CHANCE FOR FIRE – Jeremy Stewart pounces on a corner from Matthew Lyell but is once against foiled by a Brendan White save

79’ – GOAL FOR FIRE – Matthew Lyell’s corner evades everyone and sneaks in at the far post

86’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Matthew Lyell bodychecks Stephen Green inside the box to concede a penalty, enabling Michael McGowan to convert from the spot-kick

92’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Graham Fyfe threatens from a late free-kick from distance but the ball cannons off the post

What They Said

“It would’ve been great to come away with a draw but we have to put things in perspective. They are the best side we have played and we lost 2-1 and we competed. But we got to turn up at the races from the get-go and not after 45 minutes.“ – Sam Saif, Sunshine Coast FC coach

“Mistakes define football. Someone makes a mistake and it usually ends up costing someone somewhere. There were a few mistakes out there from us and a couple from them but on the balance of play I felt we deserved to get that penalty. We had a couple of other opportunities we should’ve put away but they were good today. It’s always a tough battle when you come here.“ – Matt Chandler, Redlands United FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 6
Sunday, April 10
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast

Redlands United FC 2 defeat Sunshine Coast FC 1

Fire Goals – Matthew LYELL 79’
Fire Yellow Cards – Jordan LLOYD 65’, Jeremy STEWART 83, Matthew LYELL 85’
Fire Red Cards – none

Fire Squad – 1. Samuel NICKOLLS, 2. Timothy HOLLINGWORTH (13. Blake HUSTON 87’), 4. Christopher JANCEVSKI, 6. Connor HANCOCK, 8. Grant DE CHASTEL, 9. Brady CRONK, 11. Jeremy STEWART, 14. James VERDIN (12. Jordan LLOYD 45’), 15. Jordan LOY, 16. Matthew LYELL, 17. Paul BROWNLIE
Fire Unused – 3. Giacomo MELLINO, 5. Kyle TOWNSEND, 20. Josh WALL

Redlands Goals – Adam CHANDLER 42’, Michael MCGOWAN 86’
Redlands Yellow Cards – Grant BRIX 68’, Michael MCGOWAN 75’,
Redlands Red Cards – none

Redlands Squad – 1. Brendan WHITE, 2. Michael MCGOWAN, 3. Kai HALLIDAY, 5. Paul O’BRIEN, 6. Gregory WARDEN (3. Grant BRIX 57’), 7. Michael LEE, 9. Stephen GREEN (16. Igor SAO JOSE 89’), 10. Nicolas BECHAR, 11. Graham FYFE, 12. Adam CHANDLER, 14. Nicholas DANICIC (8. Russell WOODRUFFE 76’), 15. Doyle BISSETT,
Redlands Unused –  15. Doyle BISSETT, 20. Matthew LUGO

Match Officials – Jason CROW (referee), Albert KRAUSE (assistant), Danielle POTTICARY (assistant), Noah REYNOLDS (fourth)