REDLANDS United showed plenty of heart to recover from two goals down and earn a 2-2 draw against Caboolture in Saturday’s penultimate home game of the 2026 season.
With a strong home crowd watching on, the undermanned Red Devils were forced to contend without 10 players due to suspension, injury and concussion protocols.
Their task became tougher when Caboolture struck twice from set pieces in a five-minute spell shortly after the quarter-hour mark, taking a 2-0 lead into half-time.
But Redlands refused to drop their heads, gradually working their way back into the contest through speed, sharp passing and a growing share of possession.
The hosts suffered another setback early in the second half when young defender Jack Apted was injured while protecting his goal, prompting a swift structural reshuffle from coach Graham Fyfe.
The change helped spark Redlands back into life.
Niki Kneller pulled one back before Bailey Paxton struck within minutes to level the scores at 2-2, with the Red Devils taking control as the match entered its closing stages.
Redlands created further opportunities and finished in the ascendancy but could not find the decisive third goal.
Fyfe praised the resilience of his depleted side.
“In this game, I think the character that the boys showed was unbelievable,” he said.
“Having 10 players out with suspensions, injuries and concussions, and all the stuff that we’ve had this week, it was tough.
“Our captain was meant to start but injured himself in the warm-up, so he couldn’t play.
“It knocked the stuffing out of the boys a little bit in the first half.
“We were a bit sloppy on a couple of set-play crosses which led to goals, but after that initial period, I thought in possession we dominated most of the game.
“We made a heap of chances, and I was glad that we at least got a draw, but still a bit disappointed we didn’t win because I think that’s three draws now that we could have had three wins, to be honest.
“But we’ll take it and move onto next weekend.”
Redlands’ Under 23 side also drew 2-2 with Caboolture, bouncing back immediately after slipping from a 1-0 lead to trail 2-1 during the second half.
