Redlands United are back in the winner's circle after defeating 6th place Moreton Bay Jets at the Cleveland Showgrounds last Friday night. The win comes at the right time for the Red Devil's as they face a hectic game schedule over the next two weeks. Saturday afternoon they take the trip down the M1 to take on Gold Coast side, Coomera FC, in the 5th Round of the FFA Cup.
They then have to backup on Tuesday evening, away at Lions Stadium against 2nd placed Lions FC in Round 14 of the NPL, before finishing off the fortnight at the showgrounds on Friday evening to take on Eastern Suburbs in Round 15 of the NPL. This string of games will be a real test for the Red Devils.
Last Friday Redlands got the weekend off to a great start. The Red Devils played an entertaining style of football to take an early two goal lead in the game against the Moreton Bay Jets.
Raphael Ngoyi got the scoring underway in the 19th minute with a superb strike, followed by Kado Aoci's sparkling solo effort in the 25th minute, in front of a very appreciative home crowd. Redlands could easily have been one or two more goals to the better at the break. if not for some last-gasp defence by the Jets.
In the second half the Jets come out a different side, much more like their 6th place on the NPL ladder would demand. Redlands' defence held firm before Rhys Gwynn-Jones pulled one back for the Jets in the 74th minute. Although under intense pressure from the Jets, Redlands defended stoutly and in the 85th minute Kado Aoci although surrounded by three Jets defenders was able to get his shot away through a mass of bodies and into the back of the net, restoring the home side's two-goal advantage and easing the nerves of the home supporters. Moreton Bay were not to be taken lightly and had different ideas. They continued to press hard and were rewarded with their second goal in the 89th minute by Nick Bernardi, despite protests from the home side. Redlands were not to be denied and after what seemed an eternity of extra time for the home supporters, claimed the victory and the vital three competition points for the win.
