REDLANDS United coach Graham Fyfe admits he was left “lost for words” after his side’s frustrating loss to St George Willawong when Friday night football returned to Cleveland.
Despite creating a string of chances throughout the night, the Red Devils were unable to make their dominance count, falling to a goal late in the first half and another early in the second.
Fyfe said the result left him deeply disappointed given the quality he knows the squad can produce.
“I think this is probably the lowest I’ve felt in football for a long time,” he said.
“Although we made some chances, there just was not even nearly enough of the quality that the boys have shown in training. I don’t know why tonight, I’m lost for words.
“I need to go and rethink about everything and come back Tuesday with a plan to get this group going, which I’ll do the best I can.”
Redlands started brightly and after the opening 10 minutes began to take control of the match, repeatedly testing the St George defence.
However, a combination of near misses, strong goalkeeping and desperate defensive blocks kept the home side off the scoresheet.
Several efforts rattled the post or drifted agonisingly wide as the Red Devils searched for a breakthrough.
The night took another turn after 15 minutes when in-form defender Finlay Lockyer was forced off with a hand injury.
Under-23s player Jack Apted stepped in and impressed with an energetic performance, regularly pushing forward and lifting the home crowd with some lively runs into the visitors’ defence.
Despite Redlands’ attacking pressure, it was St George Willawong who struck first with a goal late in the first half before adding a second soon after the break to seal the points.
Goalkeeper Oli Thiganoff produced a standout performance between the posts for Redlands and was awarded the Sea Fuel Cleveland Man of the Match after a series of strong saves kept his side in the contest.
Fyfe praised the efforts of his players and staff but admitted the team must quickly find answers.
“I think sometimes we wish we could go on the pitch and help the boys out because they are trying, it’s just not clicking yet,” he said.
“Shame for the injury to Finlay, I think that was the fifth defender now out, which doesn’t help obviously.
“But it’s no excuse, we’ve got enough quality to win games and it’s just not happening at the moment.”
There was better news earlier in the evening, with the Redlands Under-23s continuing their strong start to the season with a 3-1 win over St George Willawong.
Hugh Jack scored twice while Freddie Cruise calmly converted from the penalty spot to round out the scoring.
Kell Chamberlain was named the Guzman y Gomez Under-23s Man of the Match.
Redlands now turn their attention to next weekend’s away clash against Ipswich FC at Briggs Road Sporting Complex, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm for the Under-23s and 6pm for the senior side.
