Sharks secure first silverware

Palm Beach Sharks claimed the NPL Queensland Premiership title to cap off an extraordinary week for the club.

Palm Beach v Moreton Bay United

Chris Lucas’ lone goal against Moreton Bay United lifted Palm Beach Sharks to the NPL Queensland league title on Saturday night at Mallawa Complex.

The 1-0 win over Jets moved Sharks 12 points clear of second-placed Olympic FC, securing the Gold Coast club their first ever NPL Queensland silverware.

Lucas finished a sweeping team movement to chip Jets goalkeeper Luke Borean three minutes into the contest, returning him to equal first in the NPL Queensland Golden Boot race on 31 goals.

The title win means Sharks will face Northern New South Wales representatives Weston Workers Bears in the NPL Finals next month, as well as securing a home semi-final in the NPL Queensland Finals.

 

FNQ FC Heat v Olympic FC

FNQ FC Heat booked their place in the NPL Queensland Finals on Saturday night, defeating Olympic FC 2-1 at Stratford Football Club in Cairns.

The goals came all in the opening half hour, with Alex Smith and Josh De Nittis netting for the Heat while Jake McLean added to the ledger for Olympic.

Heat spurned several chances to put the contest to bed before holding on to leapfrog their opponents in the league standings.

The win lifts Heat to outright second in the standings, however a home semi-final is still not secured and the Cairns club could still finish as low as fourth depending on other results.

 

Western Pride v Harimau Muda ‘A’

Western Pride rounded out a horror NPL Queensland season with a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Harimau Muda ‘A’ at North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday night.

Pride striker Peter Drager gave the hosts a third minute lead before Awang Kechik, Mohammad Ghazli and Badrul Hisham guided the Malaysians to a two goal buffer at the break.

Substitute Robbat rounded out the result with a final goal three minutes from time.

The win lifts Harimau Muda to eighth place in the league, while Pride are consigned to finishing the campaign second from bottom.

 

Brisbane Strikers v Brisbane Roar NYL

Brisbane Strikers returned to the NPL Queensland top four on Sunday after defeating Brisbane Roar NYL 2-0 at Perry Park.

Matt Thurtell netted a goal in each half for Strikers, extending his season’s tally to 16 goals in 21 appearances.

The win lifts Strikers ahead of fellow finals contenders Moreton Bay United, who they meet next week at Wolter Park in their final match of the season.

A draw will be enough for Striker to secure a second consecutive NPL Queensland Finals appearance, while Jets must win if they are to taste finals football for the first time.

 

Brisbane City v Sunshine Coast Fire & SWQ Thunder v Redlands United Due to inclement weather these matches were postponed and alternative dates are currently being considered.

Northern Fury - Bye

Image courtesy of Albert Perez