Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images

Palm Beach Sharks are through to the Westfield FFA Cup Quarter Finals after accounting for Victorian side South Springvale 1-0 at CBus Super Stadium on Tuesday night.

Over 2000 fans were on hand to see Sharks advance courtesy of Jack Boxell’s late second half goal, meaning Sharks are now the sole remaining PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland club left in the national knockout competition.

It's the second time in two weeks Boxell has proved the hero for Sharks after also striking the winning goal against Olympic FC in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final.

Sharks started in an attacking mood with Kristian Rees volleying Chris Lucas’ corner kick over the bar from close range inside the opening three minutes.

South Springvale were physical early but failed to settle into an attacking rhythm as the hosts continued to dominate possession and field position.

The visitors threatened on the counter attack on eleven minutes with Ali Hameed showing up Rees before scooping his shot over the crossbar.

Sharks struggled to find space within the box despite successive attacking forays before Nik Mirkovic played in Lucas on 25 minutes - the striker’s low shot held down low by Springvale goalkeeper Rani Dowisha.

Riley Dillon forced another save from Doisha approaching the half hour as Sharks fast-paced build-up started to wear down the otherwise stoic Springvale defence.

Eoghan Murphy and Lucas both failed to find the target from distance while Springvale remained only a minor threat on the counter.

Late in the half, Murphy teed up Justyn McKay only for the Sharks skipper to see his shot deflect narrowly wide of the target.

South Springvale found the target with a late free-kick from Konstantinos Daskalakis in time added on, however Vitakangas proved up to task.

Both goalkeepers defused early half chances in the second stanza before the visitors saw out a pair of dangerous corners from Lucas nearing the hour.

South Springvale also saw chances from set-pieces with former Melbourne Victory player Ricky Diaco’s free-kick deflecting just wide before Vitakangas rose well to defuse the ensuing corner.

However, Sharks continued to knock on the door as Jono Camilleri forced a save from Dowisha with a curled attempt and Mirkovic’s long-range attempt deflected wide of the target.

Both sides noticeably tired as the hard-fought game entered the final quarter hour bu the momentum remained with the hosts as Troy Ruthven’s free-kick deflected past the post.

With nine minutes remaining Boxell struck with a stunning left footed following a series of neat passes allowed him to fashion space on the edge of the area.

The visitors proved valiant as they attempted to level terms in the dying minutes but were unable to continue their Westfield FFA Cup fairytale.

Sharks continue their season on Saturday night in the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Finals Series against New South Wales Premiers Bonnyrigg White Eagles at Bonnyrigg Sports Ground in Sydney.

Palm Beach Sharks 1 (Jack BOXELL 81’)
South Springvale 0

Official attendance – 2370 @ CBus Super Stadium