REDLANDS United coach Graham Fyfe has lashed a controversial late penalty decision that denied his side victory in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Robina City at Amcal Arena on Saturday night.
“Once again It’s a game we should have won,” Fyfe said post-match.
“To their credit they (Robina) kept trying all game and they’ve got a few dangerous players.
“It’s just a shame that such a good game was decided by the ref.
“They got lucky in the end with that call, we’re disappointed.
“We’ve just got to pick ourselves up and go again.”
The Red Devils looked in control early in near-perfect conditions, dominating the first half with sharp attacking football.
Their pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Jayden Balarezo opened the scoring, finishing off a slick team build-up.
Just four minutes later, Ryuga Fukuda doubled the advantage with a superb free kick from beyond 20 metres to put Redlands firmly on top.
The hosts threatened to extend their lead further before the break but couldn’t capitalise, taking a deserved 2-0 advantage into half-time.
Robina emerged a different side after the restart and pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute to swing momentum.
Despite the shift, Redlands continued to create chances.
Hugh Jack rattled the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten, Fukuda saw a goal-bound header tipped away, and Harry Christie was repeatedly denied with three efforts straight at the keeper.
As the match entered stoppage time, Robina piled on the pressure with a string of corners, but Redlands’ defence held firm under siege.
However, in the sixth minute of added time, controversy struck when the referee ruled the Redlands goalkeeper had fouled a Robina attacker during a high-ball challenge, awarding a penalty.
Robina converted from the spot to snatch a late equaliser, leaving Redlands stunned as the match finished 2-2.
Redlands will now turn their focus to next Saturday’s Anzac Day clash away at Caboolture, with the Under 23s kicking off at 4pm ahead of the senior match at 6pm.
