Brisbane Roar/NTC have claimed Championship glory, defeating Premiers The Gap FC 1-0 in the NPLW Queensland Grand Final at Walton Bridge Reserve.
The young Roar/NTC side continued their end-of-season surge, with a late goal for Sharn Freier bringing a remarkable end to The Gap’s 16 game winning streak.
A Ruth Blackburn header off a Gap corner forced a great save from Roar/NTC goalkeeper Elli Chapple in one of the best chances for the hosts in the opening twenty minutes of the game.
Despite a couple of opportunities, scores were locked at 0-0 leading into the break with neither team able to find the back of the net in the opening half thanks to resolute defending from both sides.
Roar/NTC had one of the best chances of the game in the 64th minute, with a strong Anna Margraf cross skimming the face of goal but getting tangled in the feet of the Roar attack.
The Gap had a few opportunities throughout the game with their leading goal-scorer Tiarne Petterwood getting close on occasion, but the hosts were unable to convert their chances into goals when it mattered the most.
The only goal of the game came in the 86th minute, when Laini Freier provided a good ball for twin sister Sharn, who powered the ball into the back of the net to lead the visitors to Championship glory.
Not only was this the first time the Roar/NTC side defeated The Gap this year, it was also the first time the Premiers have been held scoreless all season.
Words: Elizabeth Lepre
Images: Alison Langevad/Football Queensland
