REDLANDS United made the short trip to Cornubia Park on Saturday evening with renewed confidence for their Round 18 FQPL clash against Logan Lightning – but were left to rue defensive lapses as the hosts claimed a 3-1 win.
Coming off the back of an improved showing against Rochedale, the Red Devils looked to build momentum and started brightly, adjusting to the sticky surface while pushing the tempo early.
In a first half where both sides exchanged chances, it was Logan who opened the scoring after 22 minutes, making the most of a set piece to take a 1-0 lead.
Redlands responded swiftly through in-form striker Deegan Brook, who headed home his 12th goal of the campaign to level the scores heading into half-time.
Redlands emerged from the break with renewed purpose and began to control possession and field position.
But despite their dominance in the early stages of the second half, disaster struck on the hour mark when a failure to clear from another set piece allowed Logan to bundle the ball home and regain the lead.
The goal proved a turning point as Logan dropped deeper and absorbed pressure, frustrating the visitors.
Redlands probed for an equaliser but couldn’t find one, and the result was sealed late on when Logan again punished a defensive mistake to make it 3-1.
Speaking after the match, Redlands FQPL coach Jayce Gilchrist said: “We came into the game with renewed optimism.
“We felt the players were able to dig deep in that game and it gave us confidence that they’d turned a corner and were ready to get back to winning ways.
“We were really disappointed with our effort and application when Logan visited us last month, and the squad was really motivated to atone for that result.
“It’s another disappointing result for us, but there are still five games left in the season and plenty to play for.”
Redlands now turn their attention to a rescheduled Round 5 home clash next Saturday against title contenders Brisbane Strikers at Amcal Arena.
Kick-off is at 4pm, with the Under 23s to follow at 6.15pm.
