Redland City Council has congratulated the Redlands United Football Club following their historic victory over the Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United in last night’s FFA Cup match.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the victory over the more fancied professional outfit showed the tenacity of the local team who came from a goal down to win in extra time.
“This win is a credit to the entire Redlands United Football Club; from the players and coach Matt Chandler to the volunteers and committee members,” she said.
“To go up against the reigning Hyundai A-League champions and walk away with the win is one thing, but to come from a goal down and win in such an exciting way shows the grit and tenacity of the team.
“I got a text from a friend in Sydney following the match who said what a great win it was and that it would put the Redlands on the map; they have done themselves and the entire city proud.
“To put it in perspective last night’s win made Redlands just the third lower-league club to defeat an A-League side in the FFA Cup’s short history.”
Trailing by a goal in the dying stages, the Redlands team scored with the last kick of the match to take it to extra time before slotting the winner and holding on for the historic win.
They now progress to the next round of the national Westfield FFA Cup.
“Redlanders are known for their ‘never say die’ attitude and last night’s game is a perfect example of that attitude in action,” Cr Williams said.
“On behalf of the entire city I congratulate the team and wider club and I have no doubt they will take this determination into the remainder of the cup.”
Cr Williams said Council was proud to be a gold sponsor of the local team for last night’s game.
“Last night the lads didn’t just wear their hearts on their sleeves but also the logo of Redland City Council and we feel privileged to have been a small part of this victory,” she said.
“I know the whole city will get behind the team now as they prepare for the next round of the cup.”
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said training out of the Cleveland Showgrounds the Redlands United Football Club was an example of the city’s proud sporting heritage.
“As the second oldest football club in Queensland and one of the largest, Redlands United have been a nursery for local soccer talent for generations,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Last night’s victory will no doubt build on the club’s already impressive history.”