Words: Rob Morris & Michael Flynn
Image: Keith Eigeland/Football Queensland

Palm Beach Sharks claimed the NPL Queensland Premiership title on Saturday night to cap off an extraordinary week for the club.

Sharks 1-0 win over Moreton Bay United lifted them 12 points clear of second place Olympic, who subsequently fell to FNQ FC Heat in Cairns to hand Sharks the title.

The league success follows Sharks mid-week 2-1 win over Hakoah Sydney City in the Westfield FFA Cup, and is Sharks first NPL Queensland silverware.

In the match against Jets, Chris Lucas’ third minute strike ultimately proved decisive for the hosts.

Lucas finished a sweeping team movement to chip Jets goalkeeper Luke Borean and returns to equal first in the NPL Queensland Golden Boot race.

Two minutes later Troy Ruthven shot over the bar from a free kick before Nik Mirkovic’s through ball for Lucas was shut down by the onrushing Borean shortly after.

Jets delivered their first goal scoring chance on 16 minutes when Matthew Capello struck wide of the target after being teed up at the top of the penalty area from a free-kick.

The visitors almost levelled terms just prior to the half hour when Jets capitalised on an error in the Sharks backline, whipping the ball in to Royce Brownlie only for the striker to volley wide.

Brownlie found the target with another chance shortly after, however directed his shot directly at Sharks goalkeeper Shane Vitakangas.

Just prior to half time Troy Ruthven struck the post from Lucas’ free-kick, seeing the hosts take a single goal lead into the break.

The second half started at a frantic pace as both sides looking to assert dominance in the middle of the park, however the final ball proved elusive.

Kristian Rees almost repeated his mid-week headed effort from a Lucas corner, however this time Borean proved up to task to deny the veteran defender.

The visitors, seeking to shore up their top four claims, finished strongly as Jared Austin forced Vitakangas to save with a long range effort.

In the final minutes, Vitakangas lost his footing to offer Brownlie a golden chance at an equaliser, however his effort cruelly struck the post.

The night ended on a sour note for the visitors with Jordan Farina red carded in time added on for a lunging challenge on Sharks skipper Justyn McKay.

Sharks’ Premiership title means they are guaranteed a home semi-final in the NPL Queensland Finals Series.

Palm Beach Sharks 1 (Chris LUCAS 3’)
Moreton Bay United 0