Andrew Redmayne is fast-gaining a reputation for being a master of saving penalties.
The Sydney FC gloveman – often maligned during his Hyundai A-League career – came up big for the Sky Blues again in their 2-0 triumph over Melbourne City on Sunday.
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Redmayne’s sensational stop from Riley McGree’s penalty was the third time this Hyundai A-League season he’s saved a spot-kick to ensure maximum points for his team.
His first came back in Round 10 when he saved Adam Taggart’s penalty to help Sydney FC edge out Brisbane Roar 2-1.
Then just last month over in Wellington, his late penalty stop from Roy Krishna ensured the Sky Blues left Westpac Stadium with a 1-0 win.
And Redmayne completed his hat-trick on Sunday when – with Sydney FC holding a slender 1-0 lead – he kept out McGree’s effort and – courtesy of Adam Le Fondre’s late goal – Steve Corica’s side prevailed 2-0.
If you do the maths, that’s six extra points the Gosford-born gloveman has won for the Sky Blues, who remain just five points behind league-leaders Perth Glory.
While the goals of Le Fondre – who now has 12 for the season – assists of Milos Ninkovic and workrate of Brandon O’Neill and Josh Brillante in midfield are often seen as the cornerstones of Sydney’s success, Redmayne also deserves plenty of credit.
“It’s a lot to do with the approach to the ball from the player,” Redmayne told Fox Sports when asked the key to his penalty heroics.
“This season is the first one I’ve saved a couple of penalties and I’m just happy I’ve saved a couple more.
“The performance wasn’t great [today] but the camaraderie in the team and the belief in each other, we just get it done.”
And Redmayne certainly got it done for his side.
Besides his penalty save, he also came up with a superb full-length dive to tip McGree’s goal-bound shot over the bar, while he used his legs to keep out Dario Vidosic’s effort soon after.
Now in his second full season as Sydney FC’s undoubted number, Redmayne is showing he belongs at this level and his penalty-saving exploits could prove vital for the Sky Blues come the pointy end of the 2018/19 Season.
