REDLANDS United’s hopes of a Round 16 FQPL Cup upset were dashed at Perry Park, as the Red Devils fell 4-1 to a clinical Brisbane Strikers outfit on Sunday evening.
The visitors started brightly and looked composed despite early pressure from the in-form Strikers.
Redlands began to find their rhythm after 10 minutes, pushing into the attacking third and looking threatening on the break.
But the match turned dramatically in the 15th minute when Isaac Garcia was shown a straight red card, leaving Redlands with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
The sending-off shifted momentum firmly in Strikers’ favour, and the home side capitalised.
Dominating possession and stretching the depleted Redlands defence, Strikers struck three times before the break, taking a commanding 3-0 lead into half-time.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Redlands emerged from the sheds with renewed intent and stunned the home crowd just four minutes into the second half.
A desperate goal-line clearance sparked a swift counterattack, with Michael Lee driving out of defence and threading a pinpoint pass through to Kealan Crawford.
The Redlands forward outpaced his marker and coolly slotted home to reduce the deficit.
The Red Devils continued to fight valiantly, showing grit and cohesion, and were unlucky not to claw back another goal as two goal-bound shots were cleared off the line with the Strikers goalkeeper beaten.
But the Strikers would have the final word.
A superbly taken long-range free kick found the back of the net, sealing the 4-1 victory and ending Redlands’ hopes of a comeback.
Redlands FQPL head coach Jayce Gilchrist was proud of his side’s spirit despite the loss.
“It was a really disappointing night for us away at Perry Park,” Gilchrist said.
“We’d worked so hard during the week at getting a reaction to a couple of poor performances on the bounce, and we felt that the boys were prepared for a big performance.
“Unfortunately, we went down to 10 men after 15 minutes and the game changed. We couldn’t be prouder of the effort the team showed to fight hard for the following 75 minutes.
“Strikers were a little more clinical on the night and their numerical advantage took its toll in the end.
“We’ll look to regroup and go again on Friday night against a red-hot Rochedale side who have strung together a string of strong performances.”
Redlands now shift their focus to a critical Round 17 clash on Friday night, when they travel to Underwood Park to face finals contenders Rochedale Rovers.
Kick-off is at 8.30pm, with the Under-23s in action from 6.30pm.
