REDLANDS United are back in the winner's circle after ending an unlucky losing run with a vital 3-2 home win against the Brisbane Strikers FC.
On Friday, Redlands United played their old sparring partners in a must-win National Premier League Men's clash at the Compass Grounds.
In a fast-paced, hard encounter the game seemed to go from end to end with neither team giving an inch.
Against the run of play, the Strikers opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
Redlands keeper Duncan Short made a fine diving save, only to see the rebound fall to the Strikers Tomoki Asakawa to tap it in.
The Red Devils equaliser came in the 36th minute after Carlton Westerdale was adjudged to have been fouled in the box.
Guil Santana stepped up and dispatched the penalty to put the home side on equal terms. The score remained locked at one all at half time.
When played resumed the game continued in much the same manner with Redlands playing some nice passing football.
The Strikers took the lead in the 75th minute as again it was Asakawa on the spot to slot the ball into the corner of the net after a scramble in the box following a corner.
Their lead did not last long as Redlands equalised in the 83rd minute when a long diagonal ball from James Piercy, who had just come onto the field, found Ryo Emoto who beat the advancing keeper to the ball.
Salomon Lukonga's effort was stopped on the line by a defender, only for Emoto to slip in and tap it home.
Redlands continued to push forward looking for the winner. On the 86th minute Jamie Dibbs moved into space down the right and crossed in for Westerdale to head home the winner for the Red Devils .
This victory builds the team's confidence going into the knockout FFA Cup clash with Brisbane City.
Redlands NPL head coach Richard Greer said the win was a great result.
"The boys showed huge amounts of determination and hunger to win the game," he said.
"Fighting back from a goal down on two occasions to win is a credit to the players. Everyone played their part in helping us take the three points."
Celebrations over the much needed victory were loud but short lived as the side's focus moved to Tuesday night's FFA Cup knockout clash.
The Red Devils play FQPL competition leaders Brisbane City FC in the FFA Cup at Compass Grounds in Cleveland with a 7.30pm kick off.
Redlands United are calling for their supporters to turn out in force and cheer loud and proud for the Red Devils.
