To play against professional footballers on the national stage is a dream shared by almost every young footballer growing up, and Redlands United youngsters Grant Brix and Sam Langley were no different.
Both members of the Redlands senior side began their footballing journey at the bayside club, and are now preparing to play their part in arguably the biggest match of the club’s 98 year history when Redlands host Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32.
Brix moved between multiple junior clubs – including a recent stint in Spain – before returning midway through the 2015 season to compete for a spot in the senior squad.
The intelligent defender has seen his stock steadily rise at Redlands over the course of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League season to become a regular starter, and Brix is eyeing the Adelaide match as a great opportunity to test himself against the best.
“Adelaide are the best team in Australia and they have a historically Spanish influence so it will be interesting to see – especially having played in Spain for a number of months – to compare their style of football to what I experienced over there,” Brix said.
“A professional career is definitely the aspiration, and this game gives me an opportunity to gauge myself against professionals.”
Redlands hosted the New Zealand National Team in a friendly earlier in the year, and Brix believes that experience will hold the team in good stead for the test against Adelaide.
“Playing against (the New Zealand National Team) and doing well proves that we can play at this level against professionals – I think the experience definitely helps us to prepare for Adelaide.”
Langley returned to play for the club in under 12’s, and steadily made his way through the Redlands system to have made 14 appearances for Matt Chandler’s side in the PS4 NPL season so far.
The talented midfielder was previously coached by teammate Graham Fyfe as a junior, and credits the former Celtic and Cheltenham Town player as an integral part of his footballing development.
“Fyfey coached me for two or three years as a junior coming through the system,” Langley said.
“Being coached by Fyfey and now playing with him; he’s one of the nicest blokes and has helped me with everything on the pitch.”
“It’s hard to explain the influence the older guys have on you, but having blokes like Fyfey, Russ (Russel Woodruffe) and Paulie (Paul O’brien) playing with you is unreal, and they’ve given me a lot of advice.”
With the match broadcast live across Australia on Fox Sports, Langley is acutely aware that a strong performance could go a long way towards a possible professional career.
“I’ve wanted to be a professional footballer my whole life, no doubt,” Langley said.
“it’s definitely in the back of your mind; if you play well I think a few people will definitely be looking at you but for now I’m concentrating on training hard and trying to get a starting spot in the team.”
That Brix and Langley have come through the junior ranks at Redlands to take the same field as the Hyundai A-League champions speaks volumes for the culture at the bayside club, and both youngsters are acutely aware of how important the occasion is for everyone involved.
“Playing Adelaide is going to be an event for us, and a very important night for the club and everyone involved,” Brix began.
“If we put everything on the line and put on a show up at Perry Park it’s going to be a great night for the club,” Langley finished.
The much anticipated Round of 32 fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3rd at Perry Park. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased online at http://www.redlandsunited.com.au
Red Devils back on track
Redlands United remain firmly in the finals picture after overcoming a second half send-off to post a resolute 1-0 win over Western Pride at Cleveland Showgrounds.
A first half goal from Paul O’Brien – his first in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues – proved decisive for Redlands, who were rarely troubled by their opponents.
Defender Grant Brix was dismissed for a last man challenge early in the second half, however Pride were unable to take advantage of the extra man against a stoic Redlands defence.
The result arrests a three game losing run for Redlands and returns the bayside club to the top four – with fellow finals aspirants Brisbane City still able to reclaim the position later in the round.
Pride remain second from last as the defeat extends an eight game winless run dating back to May.
Redlands United FC coach Matt Chandler was satisfied with the result.
“I think the first half was excellent, and in the second half we showed great resilience and character after losing a player (to a red card),” Chandler said.
“We showed some beautiful attacking football in the first half and in the second some resilient defensive work. For us to limit their opportunities to half-chances was a credit to the whole group. We’ve lost the last three games and some of those we shouldn’t have lost, but I thought tonight the boys responded really well to everything we said.”