WET and wild conditions greeted the Redlands United squad on Saturday afternoon as they travelled down to the Gold Coast to take on league leaders Broadbeach United in a rescheduled Round 3 FQPL fixture.
Both teams struggled to adapt early as torrential rain began to fall, but it was Redlands who settled first.
A long-range effort from Michael Lee in the seventh minute forced Broadbeach keeper Shane Vitakangas into an athletic tip over the crossbar.
Moments later, Vitakangas was called upon again to deny Max Ellenger’s header, diving low to push it past the post.
Redlands made the early pressure count when Deegan Brook headed home a pinpoint cross from Ryo Asai, opening the scoring.
Brook continues his prolific form, with 11 goals now across all competitions.
Broadbeach responded strongly and levelled in the 26th minute when Michael Moore finished off a swift counterattack.
Despite the torrential downpour, both sides came out firing in the second half.
Redlands keeper Joel D’Cruz was tested immediately, parrying a powerful strike in the first minute after the restart.
Broadbeach increased the pressure, launching waves of attack, but the Red Devils’ backline – anchored by a resolute performance from captain and man of the match Noah Hitchcock – stood tall.
Redlands’ defensive organisation stifled Broadbeach’s creativity and limited their time on the ball.
Redlands regained the lead in the 72nd minute after some slick build-up play by Josh Tufino and Brook set up Isaac Garcia.
Starting for the first time this season, Garcia turned sharply on the edge of the six-yard box and fired home what proved to be the match-winner.
Despite desperate efforts from the home side in the dying minutes, Redlands held firm to claim a vital 2-1 win.
Redlands now turn their attention to a key local derby clash away at Capalaba this Saturday, with kick-off at 5pm and the Under-23s following at 7.15pm.
Post-match, head coach Garrett McDuling praised his side’s resilience and discipline:
“This was an important match for us to stay in touch with the competition leaders and respond to the disappointment of the mid-week result,” he said.
“We knew Broadbeach would be tough to overcome, especially in such testing conditions.
“I was pleased to see our Visa players, Isaac Garcia and Ryo Asai, start and contribute strongly.
“Michael Lee provided experience in midfield, while Deegan continued his outstanding form.”
McDuling said the focus this week had been on tightening up defensively.
“I thought we achieved that tonight,” he said.
“We created chances and converted at the right times.”
