Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Joshua Martin
Images: Chris Simpson

The Gap FC Women are the first team to book a place in the PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland Grand Final after a 3-1 win over Eastern Suburbs FC Women at Walton Bridge Reserve.

Gators wrested control of the contest early and stormed to a three-goal half-time advantage via a brace to Greta Bodey and a further goal to Ruth Blackburn.

A second-half fightback saw Easts pull a goal back via Rosie Sutton, however, the visitors were ultimately unable to turn around the substantial half-time deficit.

The win continues an extraordinary run of results for Gators, who have now won all 21 of their competitive matches in the 2016 season.

They will face the winner Sunday’s Semi-Final between second-placed Souths United FC Women and third-placed Olympic FC Women.

Fixture details for the PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland Grand Final will be announced by Football Queensland during the week.

Key Moments

25’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Greta Bodey produces some clever footwork to turn her defender on the edge of the area before blasting a solid finish past Easts goalkeeper Anastasia Mavrick

37’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Ruth Blackburn pounces on a loose pass in the Easts defence and converts a composed finish one-on-one with Mavrick

41’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Megan Price sees her free-kick bounce back off the Easts defensive wall but she hits a first-time strike on the rebound forcing a save from Mavrick

43’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Jessica Dillon curls in a cross to the feet of Bodey, who takes a touch before tucking away a low finish

50’ – CHANCE FOR EASTS – Rosie Sutton breaks clear and sneaks her shot through the legs of Noran Abaza but defender Catherine O’Neill is on hand to clear the ball off the line

63’ – CHANCE FOR EASTS – Tegan Riding attempts to catch Abaza off her line but the shot fades wide of the target

68’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Eden Jones gets onto the end of a through ball but her shot is pushed behind by the retreating Easts defence

71’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Sutton is released via a through ball and opts for an early strike from outside the penalty area – bending the finish around Abaza to pull a goal back

86’ – CHANCE FOR EASTS – Georgina Amos’s free-kick is fumbled by Abaza but the Gators goalkeeper quickly recovers ahead of the onrushing Easts attack

What They Said

“I think we had a terrific first half playing at a high intensity. On the other hand, our second half was scrappy and we were really disappointed with that. Rob(Askew) was disappointed that we lost our cool and didn’t play with our heads, which caused us to turn the ball over a lot. Mentally we allowed Easts back into the game. They but a high amount of pressure on us in the back third. East’s are always very physical but also have players who are outstanding on the ball. They’re a great side.” - Megan Price, The Gap FC Women midfielder

“We’ve shown the last two seasons now that we are up for the fight. We will rue some silly mistakes and that makes our job much harder than it needs to be. You encourage players to play a style. We play it out from the back and tonight that broke down and the Gap punished our mistakes in the back third. The Gap have players, such as Greta Bodey, that in those big moments can convert the chances and again tonight they were lethal. I couldn’t be prouder of our club and the way the girls have competed.” – Garrath McPherson, Eastern Suburbs FC Women’s coach.

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Queensland Semi-Final

Saturday, August 27
Walton Bridge Reserve, Brisbane

The Gap FC Women – 3 (Greta BODEY 25’ 43’, Ruth BLACKBURN 37’)
Eastern Suburbs FC Women – 1 (Rosie SUTTON 71’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/2bWgOVe

Match Officials – Rachel Mitchenson (referee), Madeleine Rapisardi (assistant), Taylah Brotherston (assistant)