Keeper Borean's heroics seals Lions first ever NPL Finals Series Grand Final

Goalkeeper Luke Borean was the hero as Lions FC held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout victory against ten-man Heidelberg United to advance to their first ever NPL Finals Series Grand Final.

The Semi Final at Lions Park went the distance after a gruelling 120 minutes, half of which the NPL 2017 Finals Series champions played with a man down after Bergers striker Harry Noon saw a red card on 62 minutes.

The home side dominated the first half but Nathan Shepherd’s 20th minute strike for Lions was cancelled out against the odds by Sean Ellis’ 73rd minute equaliser as the ten-man visitors battled against the tide.

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Lions keeper Borean kept his team in the game with a superb one-on-one save from Ellis in extra-time, but his heroics went to another level as the game went to penalties.

With the NPL Queensland premiers leading 2-1 after three kicks each, Borean having already denied Ellis, the shot-stopper stepped up to take the fourth kick and convert from 12 yards to make it 3-1.

He then saved the decisive spot-kick from Reuben Way, sparking jubilant scenes in Richlands, as Lions progressed to their first ever NPL Finals Series Grand Final.

Warren Moon’s side will face off  against the winner of Campbelltown City’s Semi Final clash against Sydeny Olympic, which is being played at the Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Saturday 22 September at 3.30pm.

All matches are streamed live on the National Premier League website.