Redlands United commenced their Queensland Cup/Australia Cup journey in fine fashion mid-week. They made the short trip over to White’s Hill for their Kappa Queensland Cup game against Holland Park Hawks and progressed to the next round of the cup with a 3-0 win.
Straight from the kick off both sides were intent on playing attacking football. The home side moved the ball around well but the disciplined Red Devils unit kept Hawks at bay.
Redlands created the best opportunities of the 1st half and took the lead after 25 minutes with a goal from defender Noah Hitchcock. That remained the score at half time. Despite only leading at 1-0 the Red Devils had the better of the play and created the better scoring opportunities against a hard working, well drilled Hawks outfit.
With all to play for in the 2nd half both sides came out and again started fast. It was Redlands who increased their lead after 65 minutes again through Hitchcock from a set piece setup.
Just 10 minutes later the Red Devils edged further in front through Peter Klaassen who finished off a great team goal. With the 3 goal lead and the team dominating the play, and with the team’s upcoming heavy workload in mind, Redlands coach Griff Mansfield commenced making 5 substitutions.
The Red Devils continued to apply the pressure to the Hawk’s goal, creating chance after chance only to be denied by some fine saves and dogged last ditch defense.
Redlands finished the game deserved 3-0 victors, but Holland Park have their Keeper Patrick Satorie to thank for the score-line, as Redlands could have scored another 4 or 5 goals had it not been for his huge effort in goal to produce 7 or 8 brilliant close range saves to keep the score-line respectable.
After the game, Redlands United Head Coach Griff Mansfield was happy with the win and commented, “Pleased to see a professional performance from the boys to progress to the next round of the cup. Its always difficult to come away to lower league sides who are as well organized and play as well as Holland Park did. So all credit to Holland Park, and again it was good to see a professional performance from our lads.”
Saturday Redlands are away down the coast against Gold Coast United in Rd 7 of the NPL Men’s competition. Then Wednesday evening we are at home in our rain delayed Rd 4 Kappa Pro Series game against Eastern Suburbs at 7.30pm before facing competition leaders Lions FC at home in Cleveland on Saturday at 6pm with the Under 23’s at 3.45pm.
Redlands United:
20. Will Smith, 3. Max Ellenger, 4. James Piercy, 7. Guil Santana, 8. James Bonomi, 9. Peter Klaassen,
10. Ryo Emoto, 11. Josh Tufino, 12. Noah Hitchcock, 21. Benji Cameron, 22. Michael Lee. Reserves: 1. Kurt Huppert, 2. Reece Bath, 5. Kenny Wilkinson 14. Lee-Navu Faunt, 17. Mason Cross, 18 Oohyun Park
