There will be a historic champion in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland after FNQ Heat and Redlands United won through to the decider for the first time.
FNQ Heat book place in Grand Final
FNQ Heat will play in their first PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final after seeing off Gold Coast City 1-0 at Barlow Park.
In a match of few clear-cut chances, Christopher O’Hare’s delivered the decisive goal midway through the first half – heading home from a Kieran Sanders cross.
City upped the ante after the restart, however, proved unable to get the better of a resolute Heat defence to be held scoreless for the first time this season.
The win is Heat’s first against City in nine PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues meetings and their first in the competition’s Finals after losing their only previous appearance in 2014.
They will now face the winner of Sunday’s clash between Premiers Brisbane Strikers and fourth-placed Redlands United.
The Grand Final will be played at Perry Park in Brisbane on September 3. If Heat win it will mark their first major title in their four-year history.
CLICK HERE for the full match report.
Redlands win penalty thriller to reach Grand Final
Redlands United have prevailed in a heart-stopping penalty shoot-out at Perry Park against Brisbane Strikers to advance to their first ever PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final.
Redlands midfielder Graham Fyfe struck the deciding penalty in the shoot-out after the bayside club remained locked with this year’s Premiers at 1-1 after extra time.
Earlier, Strikers took a single goal lead into half-time on the back of Trent Clulow’s opener, which came after star striker Rhys Meredith succumbed to injury in the opening minute of the match.
However, Fyfe delivered Redlands a stunning volleyed equaliser shortly after the hour to force the match into extra time.
The result marks the third time in four years Strikers have been defeated in a PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Semi-Final.
Redlands will now face FNQ Heat in the Grand Final next Saturday at Perry Park – the match marking the first time in the competition’s four-year history the Premiers have not contested the end-of-season showpiece.
Strikers will now regroup ahead of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Finals Series where, as Premiers, they will represent Queensland against the top clubs in Australia for the title of national champions.
CLICK HERE for the full match report.