Redlands Surge Into Top Spot
Words & Image: Emily Wilson, Sunshine Coast Fire
Redlands United secured their first ever NPL Queensland win over Sunshine Coast Fire on Sunday afternoon, prevailing 2-1 in blustery and wet conditions at Stockland Stadium.
Goals to Nicolas Bechar and Scott Bow propelled Redlands to the top of the NPL Queensland standings after seven rounds, while Brock Messenger netted a consolation for the hosts.
Redlands was strong in the opening stages with the young Fire players hesitant in possession.
After just two minutes a misplaced pass from Fire’s Paul Arnison went straight into the path of Nico Bechar, who was making his first appearance against his former club.
The speedy winger danced inside one challenge before bending a sublime effort into the top-left corner of the outstretched Hall’s goal.
The goal sparked a response from Fire to take the game to Redlands, however keeper Andrew Ralph in good form kept Ryan Delahunty, Matt Needham and Futa Nakamura out from close range.
Redlands was threatening on the counter-attack through Rhys Meredith and Bechar, however did not trouble Hall for the remainder of the half.
The second-half saw Redlands begin to take control of the game. Graham Fyfe was instrumental in ensuring Redlands returned to their short pass-and-move game and soon terrific Fyfe through-ball released Meredith to go 1v1 with Hall, who saved terrifically to his right.
Redlands eventually found a break-through in the 57th minute as some slick one-touch football found Bow on the edge of the box to place the ball into the top left corner and increase Redlands’ lead.
Fire, through the energetic Brock Messenger, started to use the strong wind at their back. Some good play from Nakamura found Messenger in the 81st minute to beat one defender and keeper Ralph to the ball and volley home from six yards.
The two teams traded counter-punches for the remaining 10 minutes; Meredith again broke free of Kosuge and Zammit to hit Halls’ woodwork and Messenger again caused problems down the right as he drew out Ralph and centred to Needham and Nakamura.
The ball was slightly behind Needham and his attempt at goal fell straight into the arms of Ralph.
Seventeen-year-old debutant Jed Zanos, who had a promising game, surged into the box late into the game as he struck the ball towards goal, only for Redlands’ defenders to block the attempt.
The win sees Redlands leap-frog Brisbane City into first place on the NPL Queensland table, while Fire sit in seventh.
Sunshine Coast Fire 1 (Brock MESSENGER 81')
Redlands United 2 (Nicolas BECHAR 2', Scott BOW 57')
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.