Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Albert Perez/Football Queensland

Palm Beach SC Women’s coach Gary French says despite losing the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Women’s Grand Final he couldn’t be prouder of his charges.

Sharks took the lead midway through the first half via Deeanna Thompson, however were ultimately overrun by a The Gap FC side that struck the winning goal midway through the second stanza.

French said his player could hold their heads high after standing toe-to-toe with their opposition and even threatening to send the match into extra time in the final stages.

“They gave it everything. The Gap are physically stronger than us, there’s no doubt about that, but at the same time we were still going right to the end and still created a few chances,” French explained.

“We always knew The Gap were going to be a strong team but overall we had lost some key players in the past couple of weeks."

“But having said that all our girls stepped up and all I can say is I am very proud of them.”

Sharks co-captain Lauren Brown echoed her coach’s sentiments in praise of her teammates.

“Every single girl out there put as much effort as possible and left everything on the field and that’s all you can ask for,” Brown said.

“I think we did match it with them. We played some good football, passing it around and creating some opportunities - so it could’ve gone either way.”

“We will strive to be there again next year and hopefully we will win it,” Brown concluded.

French added that his side not only competed but also played their part in entertaining the boisterous crowd at Corporate Travel Management Stadium.

“I think everyone that came to watch the game would’ve enjoyed it. It was an exciting game,” he concluded.