Words: Michael Flynn

The Gap FC Women and Palm Beach SC Women were neck-and-neck all year in the regular season and meet for the fourth time this year in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Womens Grand Final on Saturday.

For 2015 Premiers The Gap the match offers a chance of claiming the double in the inaugural season of Women’s competition - extending their record as one of the powerhouses of women’s football in Queensland.

The Gap’s run to the Premiership was marked by an outstanding late season defensive return led by captain and former Brisbane Roar W-League player Bec Price (pictured left) - the team not conceding a goal since June.

They also boast a raft of scoring options in their line-up including the dynamic attacking triumvirate of Gabe Marzano (previously with Perth Glory), Bethany Ashton and club leading goalscorer Leah Curtis.

However, Palm Beach SC will be eager to end their season on a high and also boast a raft of talented players including 2015 Golden Boot winner Deeanna Thompson, New Zealand international Terri-Amber Carlson and co-captain and playmaker Lauren Brown.

Defensively they are led by co-captain Tayler Stevens (pictured right) and kept on their toes by the vocal presence of goalkeeper of Biana Warrener.

The Sharks also hold the record for the largest victory in the competition’s inaugural season after demolishing Moreton Bay United in an 18 goal spree last month.

The form guide suggests an even contest with Palm Beach earning a win and a draw against the Gap in the regular season, but the Gap winning their most recent encounter in the Qualifying Semi Final 2-0 on the back of a brace to Marzano.

However, the Gold Coast club will be match-hardened after qualifying for the Grand Final last weekend with a 3-1 win over Sunshine Coast FC. Meanwhile, The Gap may prove susceptible following a two week lay-off after advancing to the decider in the opening week of the Finals Series.

This match will be live streamed with play-by-play commentary by Football Queensland at www.nplqld.com.au

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Women's Grand Final

The Gap FC Women v Palm Beach SC Women
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Kick-off at 6:30PM

Guide to the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Women’s Grand Final

Previous meetings in 2015:

1 March, 2015 (Round 3)
at Mallawa Complex, Gold Coast
Palm Beach SC  2 (Deanna THOMPSON, Lauren BROWN)
The Gap FC  1 (Bec PRICE)

31 May, 2015 (Round 14)
at Walton Bridge Reserve, Brisbane
The Gap FC  2 (Gabe MARZANO, Bethany ASHTON)
Palm Beach SC  2 (Meaghen MCELLIGOTT, Lauren BROWN)

23 August, 2015 (Qualifying Semi Final)
at Walton Bridge Reserve, Brisbane
The Gap FC  2 (Gabe MARZANO x2)
Palm Beach SC  0

The Gap FC 2015 Season Stats (including 2015 Finals Series):

Record - 16 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses (21 games total)
Goal differential - +81 (96 scored, 15 conceded)
Clean sheets - 14
Biggest Win - 13-0 vs Moreton Bay United (29 March) & Souths United (11 July)
Biggest Defeat - 2-4 vs Peninsula Power (26 April)
Top goal scorers - Leah CURTIS (21 goals), Bethany ASHTON (17), Gabe MARZANO (16)
Most appearances - Summer O’BRIEN (21 games), Jessica DILLON (21)

 

Palm Beach SC 2015 Season Stats (including 2015 Finals Series):

Record -  15 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses (22 games total)
Goal differential - +74 (97 scored, 22 conceded)
Clean sheets - 8
Biggest Win - 18-0 vs Moreton Bay United (9 August)
Biggest Defeat - 1-3 vs University of QLD FC (19 April)
Top goal scorers - Deeanna THOMPSON (35 goals), Lauren BROWN (21), Terri-Amber Carlson (6)
Most appearances - Bianca WARRENER (22 games), Lauren BROWN (22)