Words: Matt Dorman

The league-leading UQFC Women inflicted a first defeat on Palm Beach SC Women with a come-from-behind 3-1 win at Mallawa Complex on Sunday.

Sharks led early but a star turn from Amy Chapman in her final match for UQFC swung the game in the visitors’ favour.

The home side got on the scoresheet first as the prolific Deanna Thompson drew a foul inside the penalty area and stepped up to convert from the spot for a 1-0 lead in the 20^th minute.

UQFC hit back immediately though after the hosts failed to clear in defence, allowing Chapman to finish into the bottom left corner.

The Brisbane Roar W-League player then had a hand in the away side taking a 2-1 lead just prior to half time when her cross from the right was expertly half-volleyed in by Greta Bodey.

Gary French’s Sharks began brightly after the break and might have equalised with Sachiko Tatsuoka central to a pair of promising opportunities.

Thompson also had chances to double her tally and the home side were eventually punished for their profligacy as UQFC secured all three points in spectacular style.

Chapman raced on to a bouncing ball and struck an incredible effort from just inside her own half, catching out Sharks ‘keeper Bianca Warrener to complete the scoring at 3-1.

Speaking after the match, Sharks coach Gary French felt his side’s inability to convert their opportunities decided the result.

“I’m disappointed obviously because I thought we played some great football, we created so many chances and controlled the game for large periods, but fair play to UQ they took their chances and we didn’t,” French said.

UQFC coach Wayne Gibbon lauded the quality of the contest between two in-form teams.

“I thought it was a really good game of football. At times perhaps a little bit scrappy but it was so competitive throughout,” Gibbon said.

Listen to the full post match interviews below.

Palm Beach SC 1 (Deanna THOMPSON 20’)
University of Queensland FC Women 3 (Amy CHAPMAN 22’, 78’ Greta BODEY 44’)