Words: Michael Flynn
Images: Getty Images

Redlands United have recorded the biggest upset in Westfield FFA Cup history after dramatically defeating Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United 2-1 at Perry Park.

Midfielder Paul O’Brien struck the decisive goal for Redlands in the first period of extra time as the bayside club recorded the most important win in their nearly 100 year history.

Earlier, Redlands were just seconds away from elimination before Michael Lee capitalised on an error from Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic to level terms in final minute of time added on.

Forced to defend for extended periods in regular time, Redlands proved stoic until just after the hour when Ryan Kitto edged Adelaide ahead.

Redlands were again forced to absorb large amounts of pressure after taking the lead, however Adelaide were unable to break through against the resolute Redlands defenders.

The result marks just the third time a Hyundai A-League club has been eliminated by a PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues club in the Westfield FFA Cup’s three year history.

Redlands now join fellow PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland side Brisbane Strikers in the Round of 16.

Key Moments

5’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – Iacopo La Rocca rises high to meet a corner with a forceful header that ball sails high over the crossbar, but the Adelaide man takes a knock in the process and is substituted before play restarts

14’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – Jesse Makarounas delivers a dipping free-kick into wards the near post but Redlands goalkeeper Brendan White gets down well and holds the shot

17’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – Tarek Elrich dinks the ball invitingly for Riley McGree in the box but his volleyed shot fails to find the target

19’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – The visitors threaten on the break after taking possession in Redlands’ half, but Marcelo Carrusca’s shot is timid and easily held by White

35’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Russell Woodruffe is picked out in space inside the penalty area and looks to blast his strike on the angle but scoops it high of the target

53’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – Ryan Kitto chances his arm from just outside the penalty area forcing White to pluck it out of the air with a spectacular diving save

62’ – GOAL FOR ADELAIDE – Kitto pounces on a deflection and charges to the edge of the penalty area before slotting a low finish past White to open accounts

70’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – McGree and Kitto are in amongst the traffic as the visitors whip in a corner but the effort goes well wide of the near post

72’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – A quick series of passes ends with Kitto fashioning a shot on the turn but White has it covered

85’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – Ben Garrucio bullies his way from the edge of the box to in front of the goal but his shot is blocked by the tireless Redlands defence

88’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Stephen Green gets on to the end of a long clearance and goes for the spectacular under pressure but skews the shot high and wide

90+4’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS – Green lobs the ball over the Redlands backline and the bounce catches out Eugene Galekovic allowing Michael Lee to capitalise and convert a dramatic equaliser into an empty net.

98’ – GOAL FOR REDLANDS - Michael Lee's ball into the box is pushed on by Tyler Brayley-Combe and Paul O'Brien keeps his head to slot the finish and give the hosts the lead

100’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – Mark Ochieng’s cross is not held by White and Jordan O’Doherty looks to capitalise but White quickly recovers and deflects the effort behind

108’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – Carrusca flicks the ball on for O’Doherty inside the area but his shot on the angle skews well wide off the side of his boot

114’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – A free-kick on the edge of the area is lined up by Isaias but despite being firmly struck is straight into the arms of White

120’ – CHANCE FOR ADELAIDE – Jordan Elsey collects a cross at the far post but sends a flustered finish wide of the post from point blank range

What They Said

“I said to the boys I’m very proud to be their coach. I thought we were resilient in the first half. Obviously Adelaide scored the first goal but we never stopped believing. We got the goal – quite an ugly one – but a great goal and our second goal was really worked. Paul O’Brien has been threatening to score for a while. It’s just a fantastic night to be involved with our football club. “ – Matt Chandler, Redlands United FC coach (speaking to Fox Sports post game)

Match Details

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Round of 32

Wednesday, August 3
Perry Park, Brisbane

Redlands United FC – 2 (Michael LEE 90+4’, Paul O'BRIEN 98')
Adelaide United FC – 1 (Ryan KITTO 62')

Attendance: 1,564

Match Centre – http://www.theffacup.com.au/matchcentre/Redlands-United-FC-v-Adelaide-United/862162