A BRACE from Peter Klaassen has helped Redlands United ease past Brisbane City in ther round nine NPL clash at Newmarket.
The game was played from end-to-end with both sides determined to attack, but Redlands remained composed to run out 4-1 winners and secure another valuable three points.
Redlands took the lead after seven minutes when a City defender, under intense pressure from Klaassen, managed to get a foot on the ball back towards his keeper who could only watch as the ball sailed past him and into the net for an own goal.
City did not let their heads drop and went straight back on the attack, only to be denied with the Red Devils going back into attack up the other end.
Redlands keeper Ryan Govan was called into action to save a well struck shot.
Govan quickly sent the ball up field where Klaassen picked the pocket of City following indecision from the keeper and defender, to sneak between them and place the ball into the net.
Just four minutes later City were on the scoreboard when the referee awarded a penalty against Redlands.
Matt Thurtell made no mistake, reducing the deficit to just the solitary goal.
The Red Devils then had a penalty of their own following continual pressure on the City goal. Dylan Brent stepped up to the spot and fired the ball home, reinstating Redlands’ two goal advantage.
Things got worse for the hosts when a player was shown a straight red card by the referee right on the cusp of half-time for a tackle on Ryo Emoto. A fired-up City attempted to make the most of the six minutes of added time but the scoreline remained 3-1 at the break.
United extended their lead early in the second half when captain Sam Langley slipped the ball through City’s back line, releasing Klaassen who beat the keeper from a slight angle.
The remainder of the game continued with both sides creating chances and both keepers forced into making saves but standing firm.
Redlands United ran out 4-1 winners, giving them their second away victory in a row.
Coach Daniel Varma was pleased with his team’s performance and proud of his playing group.
“I have a squad of 23 players that push each other at training, that work for one another and that care so much for our common cause,” he said.
“We all know our capabilities, our potential and our standard and it’s fantastic to see we are beginning to achieve it.”
The Red Devils travel to AJ Kelly Park at Kippa-Ring to take on Brisbane Roar Youth next Saturday.
The match kicks off at 7pm with the under 23s at 3pm.
