THE Redlands United Red Devils suffered a tough 2-1 defeat to National Premier Footbal League competition leaders Olympic last Sunday.
The loss takes the Devils to fifth spot on the competition ladder and they face a tough last round to hopefully win a place in the semi finals.
Olympic is well ahead in the competition on 55 points and the 2-1 loss was a commendable effort, showing the Devils are capable of still winning the league, if they can squeeze into the semis.
Second place on the ladder is Brisbane City on 44 points and the Devils face this strong side on Saturday night.
Hot on the heels of City is the Sunshine Coast Fire on 43 with the Brisbane Strikers on 39. The Devils are placed on 36 points.
In the Olympic match at Cleveland, the Devils came coming out of the blocks with all guns blazing.
The front two combination of Reuben Way and Jheison Macuace with new front man Nick Robinson threw all they could at the Olympic defence.
Olympic, however, drew first blood when a free kick was not properly cleared before the Olympic defender poked away the first goal.
The second half started off at a frantic pace and only took nine minutes for Redlands to equal the scores when substitute goal keeper Brad Stout played a long ball which was flicked by Way and found Nick Robinson one on one with the goal keeper.
He safely placed the ball between the keeper's legs, which was Robinson's first goal for Redlands since transferring mid-season from the Brisbane Strikers.
Olympic slotted away a second which had the game ending at 2-1.
Redlands have a mid-week game against Palm Beach and last game of the regular season against Brisbane City at Spencer Park kicking off Saturday at 6pm.
-Scott Prickett
