The ACT has witnessed a remarkable Elimination Semi-Final in the PS4 NPL with both teams' goalkeepers getting on the scoresheet.
Keepers Angelo Konstantinou (Olympic) and Adam Perakovic (United) found the back of each other’s net in Canberra Olympic’s 4-2 win over Belconnen United last Saturday at McKellar Park.
Olympic opened the scoring through Callum Smith and doubled their advantage when Konstantinou converted a spot-kick.
Robbie Cattanach finished a swift counter-attack to make it 3-0 but United pulled a goal back just two minutes later through skipper Taylor Beaton.
Olympic duly extended their lead through Adam Rogic, the older brother of Socceroo Tom, when he produced a long-range stunner to restore his side’s three goal cushion.
However in an intriguing finale Perakovic bombed forward for a corner as the clock wound down, Belconnen’s keeper heading home from the set-piece to complete a rare stat.
The final result means Canberra Olympic move through to a Preliminary Final against Tigers FC this weekend, while Belconnen will have to take solace from the fact they helped carve out a little piece of football history.
History of goalkeeper’s scoring in Australia’s national league
Hyundai A-League
- Danny Vukovic , for Wellington Phoenix (W3-1 v North Queensland Fury) 13/02/11 - penalty
National Soccer League
- Bob Catlin for APIA (D3-3 v Marconi) 12/08/84 - direct from goalkick, Bruce James the Marconi goalkeeper
- Mike Gibson for St George (v Marconi) 16/06/88 - direct from goalkick, Bob Catlin (1st GK to score in NSL) was the Marconi goalkeeper
- Zoran Nikitovic for Footscray (v Olympic) 20/09/87 - followed-up from penalty kick taken by Nikitovic, initially parried by Olympic goalkeeper Gary Meier
*Stats courtesy of Andrew Howe @AndyHowe_statto