NPLM Round #19: A Tense Exchange of Points

LIONS MEN HELD IN TENSE GOALLESS STALEMATE AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM

Despite creating numerous chances, our Lions Men were pinned in a stalemate against a determined Redlands United side.

A harsh, rigid, and physical first half saw both sides settle into familiar patterns. Redlands United mounted a robust defensive back five, while our Lions Men dominated the ball and locked to pick an experienced lock.

Following a comfortably saved strike from Joe Duckworth, Jackson Hart-Phillips created the first clear-cut chance of the game after dribbling through a choir of feet on the edge of the box and planting a sharp cross into the feet of Alex Fiechtner. Alex was unlucky to blast his rushed shot over the crossbar.

The Football Gods showed us grace and reprieve to stay level in the 23rd minute. Cardiff Pond slipped over while in possession, allowing Redlands to nick possession and hook a shot towards an open goal. Somehow, that shot curled away from the bottom right corner, and the scores remained level.

Several shots followed, but the ball wouldn’t fall for us, and the first half ultimately ended 0-0.

The second half started with more energy, and more physicality. A beautiful team move almost saw the breakthrough. Shaun Carlos fed the ball into the path of Alex Fiechtner, who feinted brilliantly over the ball, allowing Luke Broderick to carry the ball into the box. His shot was fired towards the top left corner, but a crucial save denied him.

Redlands were awarded a penalty before the hour mark, but fantastic reactions from Cardiff Pond saw him dive the right way to make the save. The game remained level on the hour.

Cardiff Pond made a brilliant diving save to prevent the visitors from breaking the deadlock as Redlands looked to take control in the later stages. The physical nature of the game made it difficult to control the tempo.

Despite a strong effort against a determined opponent, we were held to a 0-0 draw. We now look ahead to a massive week that sees us play a QLD Cup Semi-Final, a KPS Grand Final, and an Australia Cup Round of 32.