[Image: Ray Gardner]
Redlands United and Brisbane Strikers have become Queensland’s first two qualifiers for the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 after hard-fought victories over the weekend.
The two PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues sides overcame Rochedale Rovers and Lions FC respectively to claim Brisbane’s two spots in the Final Rounds.
Star veteran Graham Fyfe inspired Redlands to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Rochedale – who featured former Brisbane Roar striker Jean Carlos Solorzano – to book his side a Round of 32 debut.
Fyfe cancelled out Scott Sargent’s 39th minute opener at a rain-soaked Cleveland Showgrounds before completing the turnaround by curling home the winner inside the final 20 minutes.
All smiles in Cleveland! We’ve come away 2-1 victors over an impressive @RochedaleRovers outfit. #FFACup @FFACup pic.twitter.com/s1Y6VKgOwp
— Redlands United FC (@RedlandsUTD) June 3, 2016
The result – Redlands’ third straight single-goal win in the Preliminary Rounds – adds another major chapter to the Cleveland club’s 98-year history.
Brisbane Strikers added to their own Westfield FFA Cup legacy by advancing to the national rounds for the third straight year on Sunday.
Rhys Meredith’s first-half header was enough for a tense 1-0 win over Flight Centre Premier League powerhouse Lions FC, who were themselves aiming to make it repeat appearances.
94 minutes are up and Strikers have survived a late aerial assault from @lionsfc1 to win a nailbiter! Into Rd of 32 fod 3rd year running!
— Brisbane Strikers (@BneStrikers) June 5, 2016
Strikers will aim to replicate their 2014 run to the Round of 16 after last year suffering stoppage-time heartbreak away to Hume City.
Queensland’s four qualifiers will be rounded out this Saturday, 11 June when the Northern Region and Southern Region qualifiers conclude.
FNQ FC Heat are set to host Rockhampton’s Frenchville SC in Cairns, while Surfers Paradise Apollo welcome Sunshine Coast FC to the Gold Coast.