Brisbane Strikers FC were defeated 2-1 by Redlands United in last night NPL Queensland Round 9 catch-up fixture after the visitors scored a stoppage-time winner.
Coming into the match Strikers were in mixed form having picked up a win a draw and a loss over their previous three fixtures.
Their last outing saw them defeated by current league leader Peninsula Power 4-2 in what was a competitive affair.
Redlands United had also lost their previous fixture, beaten 2-1 by Moreton Bay United away from home meaning they were sitting in the relegation zone coming into the match, three points behind safety.
The game began tightly with Strikers enjoying a greater share of possession but unable to bypass a determined Redlands defensive block limiting the number of goalscoring chances.
It took a moment of brilliance to spring the game into life and that was exactly what Redlands winger Lathan Dunn provided, picking up the ball on half-way before a mazy run and long-range shot which found the bottom corner and gave the visitors the lead.
The opening goal seemed to increase Redlands’ confidence with the side continuing to make the game difficult for Strikers to settle into.
The best goalscoring opportunity for the remainder of the half came to Redlands fullback Robert Kramer who forced Brendan White to make an outstanding save from a freekick.
Following the interval, Strikers played with renewed determination in the second half quickly equalising after Ethan Docherty providing the finishing touch from an Aden Gardner corner kick.
Strikers would continue to apply pressure for the remainder of the half with Aden Gardner, Chris Maher, and Cooper McCormack all coming close to getting their names on the scoresheet.
As the game rolled into a stoppage-time a 1-1 draw seemed inevitable however a deflected clearance saw Redlands break in behind our four before substitute Luke Hendrix slotted the ball home to give United a late lead and ultimately all three points.
Goals
24’- Redlands United – Lathan Dunn picked up the ball on the half-way line before going on an impressive solo which ended with the winger firing a low shot into the corner.
47’- Brisbane Strikers – A dangerously delivered corner from Aden Gardner resulted in a goalmouth scramble with Ethan Docherty eventually poking the ball home.
90’- Redlands United – A deflected clearance resulted in Redlands being sent clean through on goal with Luke Hendrix eventually scoring.
Interesting Facts
The game marked the 50th senior appearance of Strikers midfielder Scott Halliday who first joined the club in 2019. Scott has been an integral member of the Strikers first team since joining the club playing a key role in our historic 2019 FFA Cup run. Scott was recognised for this significant milestone with a special presentation after the match by club chairman Bruce Atterton-Evans.
Next Game
Strikers are back in action at home this Saturday night taking on Gold United at 6:30pm.
Photo Credit
Mr David Seo
Player
Number 21 Forward Cooper McCormack
