Unbeatable Gators Win Grand Final
Words: Michael Flynn & Matt Dorman
Images: Patrick Kearney/Football Queensland
The Gap FC Women have claimed their fourth major trophy in just two seasons with a come-from-behind victory in the PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland Grand Final.
The 4-2 win over Olympic FC Women at Walton Bridge Reserve seals an unbeaten season for the women’s football powerhouse and their second Champions title in two years.
A quick-fire double from Olympic’s league Golden Boot winner Kirsten Jamieson delivered the visitors the perfect start to the contest, however, from thereon the hosts had all the running.
Gators pulled level at the half through Eden Jones and Ruth Blackburn, before edging ahead for the first time on the hour courtesy of club leading goal scorer Greta Bodey.
Inspirational midfielder Megan Price then wrapped up the win in the closing stages from the penalty spot.
Gators' triumph continues their domination of the national second tier competition – claiming every major title on offer since its launch in 2015.
Their 22-match winning streak in 2016 also sets a new league record, while the club has not been defeated since April 2015 – a run of 37 matches unbeaten.
For Olympic, the result concludes their best season in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s football after qualifying for the Finals for the first time.
Key Moments
7’ – CHANCE GATORS – Katie Winter arrives in the area to meet a cutback at the far post but her effort is stabbed off the line by Rebekah Horsey.
13’ – GOAL OLYMPIC – Matalena Daniells feeds a smart pass into the area for Kirsten Jamieson, who has plenty of time to steady before her shot takes a touch and beats Abaza.
19’ – CHANCE OLYMPIC – Elizabeth Doherty’s scuffed shot across goal falls kindly for Daniells, but her first-time finish is palmed away by Abaza at the near post.
22’ – GOAL OLYMPIC – Jamieson receives the ball to feet, looks up and audaciously fires an effort from around 25 yards which dips perfectly over Gators goalkeeper Noran Abaza.
26’ – GOAL GATORS – McLean rushes out of goal to snuff out a potential one-on-one, but the ‘keeper can’t retreat quickly enough as Eden Jones takes advantage of the hurried clearance with a long-range bomb from wide on the left.
31’ – CHANCE OLYMPIC – Allira Toby rides a challenge and weaves away from another before unleashing a thunderous shot which crashes against the crossbar.
44’ – GOAL GATORS – Ruth Blackburn equalises on the stroke of half-time, firmly heading a corner back across goal and into the far corner.
47’ – CHANCE GATORS – McLean does well to get down low and keep out a Blackburn shot towards the near post.
60’ – GOAL GATORS – Eden Jones gets to the byline on the left and dinks a cross to the far post, where Greta Bodey arrives to bundle home Gators’ third.
84’ – GOAL GATORS – Megan Price converts from the spot through McLean’s hands after the ‘keeper is adjudged to have brought down an attacker in the area.
Match Details
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s Queensland Grand Final
Sunday, September 4
Walton Bridge Reserve, Brisbane
The Gap FC Women – 4 (Eden JONES 26’, Ruth BLACKBURN 44’, Greta BODEY 60’, Megan PRICE p.84’)
Olympic FC Women – 2 (Kirsten JAMIESON 13’ 22’)
Match Centre – http://bit.ly/2bLpBGN
Match Officials – Vicky Clark (referee), Danielle Potticary (assistant), Krystina Markovics (assistant), Taylah Scholefield (fourth)
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