Redlands United played their final NPL Men’s game for the 2023 season on Saturday evening away at Kippa-Ring against Peninsula Power.  Power were looking to consolidate their finals position against a Redlands side weakened through injury and suspensions.

It was the home who took the early advantage with 2 goals in the first 12 minutes through Josah Hitchcock and Sam Cronin.

Despite the early set back Redlands did not drop their heads and continued to play their attacking brand of football.   Both sides were intent on looking to play the ball around which created opportunities for the Red Devils.

With 23 minutes gone, a free kick outside the Power box saw Redlands central defender Noah Hitchcock rise high to meet the ball, but ended up in a collision with the Power Keeper, hitting his head hard on the ground when he landed.   There was a very long stoppage in play as the medical teams attended to both Hitchcock and the Power Keeper.   Thankfully Hitchcock managed to walk from the field but was unable to continue and was substituted, with Redlands losing another key player to injury.

Just a few minutes after the resumption of play Redlands were on the scoreboard.   From a free flowing Redlands attack Dylan Brent delivered the ball from out wide across the face of goal where Deane Alterio met the ball at the back post to tap in reducing the deficit to a single goal.

As the 1^st half progressed the Red Devils started to gain the ascendancy, pressuring the Power goal and forcing the keeper into saves.  Five minutes into time added on, Ryo Emoto’s deep corner found James Piercy, who got down low to head the ball only to see it hit the post with the keeper beaten allowing Power to scramble it out for another corner.  Soon after, the referee signaled for half time with Power leading the Red Devils 2-1.

The 2^nd stanza started in much the same way as the 1^st, with only 2 minutes gone Power scored on the counter attack with Reds defender Piercy down injured around the half way line, the home side was able to out-number the Redlands defense to restore their 2 goal advantage.

Following the goal Power’s confidence grew and they continued to pressure the Redlands goal with Redlands Keeper Ryan Govan called into action on a number of occasions.  Redlands however would not fold and continued to play their free following football and play forward at every opportunity.   Guil Santana had his shot cleared off the line by Power after some great lead up play by the Red Devils. They continued to create a number of scoring opportunities but Power were able to scramble in defense to hold them out.  

Despite the pressure applied on the Power goal in the 2^nd part of the half, the Red Devils were unable to put any more balls in the net.   Redlands were not able to pick up a win in their final game of the season as the very entertaining game ended up in Power’s favour 3-1.

Redlands’ Fiction Bar and Restaurant, Man of the Match for our final game of 2023 was awarded to our hard working midfielder, our No. 10, Ryo Emoto.

With the last NPL Men’s game for 2023 done and dusted for Redlands United, the Red Devils pay tribute and thank their fantastic and supportive sponsors for their continuing support and to their band of vocal loyal supporters who have cheered them on continually during the season.  Come on 2024.