REDLANDS United farewelled its 2026 FQPL campaign with a deserved 2-0 home win over Logan Lightning on Saturday, providing a welcome reward for a committed home crowd in cold and windy conditions.
Niklas Kneller struck in each half — first in the 23rd minute and again in the 66th — as the Red Devils controlled much of the contest and finally converted their dominance into three points.
Redlands had the bulk of possession while Logan looked to exploit its pace on the counterattack.
But the defensive line of James Keogh, Max Ellenger, Andy Thompson and Angus Broderick stood firm, with goalkeeper Richard Chaglasian making several important saves and commanding his area to preserve the clean sheet.
Bailey Paxton and Jayden Balarezo worked tirelessly through midfield to disrupt Logan’s attacks while Harry Christie, Hugh Jack and Ryuga Fukuda repeatedly troubled the visitors with their pace and combination play.
Kneller’s relentless pressure also unsettled the Lightning defence throughout the afternoon with his two goals ensuring the Red Devils did not suffer the late setbacks that had cost them points in several matches this season.
Coach Graham Fyfe said the result was the finish the side wanted in front of its supporters.
“Well, that was a really good way to finish the season,” he said.
“Even though we couldn’t fix the season tonight, we wanted to put in a good performance and get a win for the home crowd and all the kids that turned up, which was fantastic, and I thought it was thoroughly deserved.
“Logan are a very dangerous team … but we handled them and we could have scored a few more.
“I think maybe 6-1 could have been a fair score, but our boys did well. I was very happy for them.”
The day also marked a first-team debut for Under-18 Academy player Austin Earle, who came on late in the second half after earlier playing a full match for the Under-23s.
Under-16 Academy player Osian Moore also made his senior football debut from the bench in the Under-23 fixture, with both youngsters showing they could handle the step up.
Fyfe said the win gave the club a positive platform heading into the off-season.
“We’ll go into the off-season now with a better taste in our mouths,” he said.
“I learnt a lot of lessons this year, in a good way.
“The squad that we ended the season with was fantastic and I look forward to next season and progressing up this league.”
