After two weeks of no games, Redlands United were back in action in the NPL Men’s competition against Eastern Suburbs FC at Cleveland on Friday night.
A goal in each half was enough for the Red Devils to take the competition points in a tough encounter.
The first half was all Redlands, as they controlled the game with Easts defending stoutly.
The Red Devils were on the scoreboard after 20 minutes when Jack Skinner unleashed a shot from 20 meters out to find the corner of the net.
Easts tried to muster some attacking impetus, but Redlands’ defence held firm and cut out the plays before they developed into anything dangerous.
On 35 minutes, new Redlands signing Fionn Reilly came close after beating a defender to a bouncing ball and slotting the ball past an advancing keeper, only to see it glance the outside of the post.
A few minutes later after some great work from Skinner out wide, James Bonomi’s angled shot from outside the box had the keeper beaten but just slid past the far post.
As the teams went into the break, Redlands led 1-0.
After a couple of chances early in the second half, Redlands had their second on 56 minutes when Peter Klaassen headed home a Dylan Brent cross.
The momentum of the game changed shortly after when defender Angus Broderick was shown a second yellow card while in attack in the Easts penalty area, reducing Redlands to 10 men.
Redlands continued to push forward and Ryo Emoto’s shot a few minutes later, from an angle, struck the post.
Emoto almost had his goal when he had the ball in the net after some good build up play, but it was ruled out for a foul in the lead up.
Easts got one back on 82 minutes when a cross from out wide was not defused by Redlands and Blake Grove headed the ball into the net.
As the game entered its final stages, Easts increased their efforts, but Redlands’ scrambling defence maintained their form to secure a 2-1 win.
Redlands’ Fiction Bar and Restaurant man of the match was awarded to livewire goal scorer Jack Skinner.
Redlands United head coach Daniel Varma said he was pleased with the victory, which keeps the side’s top four hopes alive.
“I thought for 60 minutes we were dominant. I was particularly pleased with our two goals.
“One came from our work in possession through the week and the other came from work we did when not in possession.
“The attitude from my team at training and on match day has been excellent during our break and I am pleased they were rewarded for this.”
