Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images

Palm Beach Sharks coach Grae Piddick has praised Westfield FFA Cup match-winner Jack Boxell following his side’s Round of 16 win over South Springvale.

Boxell struck the contest’s lone goal on 81 minutes to book the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland dual Premiers-Champions a Quarter Finals berth on Tuesday night at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Sharks will face Hyundai A-League club Central Coast Mariners, who eliminated Olympic FC 3-1 in the Round of 16, next in the national knockout competition.

Speaking post-match, Piddick was full of praise for his mid-season recruit, who joined Sharks from rival PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland club Brisbane Strikers.

Boxell entered Tuesday’s cup tie inside fifteen minutes when Daniel Grzic was substituted after a stray arm left him with a bloodied nose.

“I don’t think it was anything malicious, a bit of an accident really, and that’s why we made the change,” Piddick said.

“We got Jack on a bit earlier than was expected. I said to him before the game that he was unlucky not to be starting but that we will use him for impact.”

“He certainly provided that impact,” a clearly delighted Piddick added.

The goal capped off a sterling run of form for the 22-year-old after he also struck what proved to be the winning goal in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final against Olympic two weeks ago.

Piddick said Boxell’s determination and work ethic had paid dividends for both the player and the club.

“He joined us a little bit into the season and we just brought him in as cover, to be honest,” Piddick explained.

“We had a few injuries at the back and he plays as a left-sided fullback, but we’ve used him in those attacking flank areas as well.”

“He hasn’t played a lot of games until the past five weeks, but he has pushed hard and wasn’t deterred by the fact that he wasn’t playing.”

“At the business end he has done the job for us – he scored the winner in the Grand Final and scored the winner tonight.”

Despite seeing the better of the contest against the fourth-tier Victorian club, Piddick conceded the tension was building before Boxell’s breakthrough strike.

“It was a bit of a relief. We controlled the game for very long periods but it was just a case of getting that goal.”

“We knew that if we got a goal early then the game would open up but it wasn’t to be. It came fairly late.”

“But it’s better late than not at all, so we’re happy to be going through,” Piddick concluded.

Date and venue details for Sharks’ Westfield FFA Cup Quarter Final fixture against Mariners will be confirmed by Football Federation Australia in coming weeks.