Lions Depart With Grand Final Triumph

Peninsula Power 0 Lions FC 1 (Diaz 36' pen) HT 0-1 Played at: AJ Kelly Park

It took only one moment, a disputed decision, for Lions FC to finish off the season with silverware when they beat Peninsula Power 1-0 in the Flight Centre Premier Grand Final at AJ Kelly Field on Saturday night. A cagey start was expected and eventuated with both teams prodding and poking but the first genuine chance came from the boot of Tynan Diaz who cracked a free kick against the right hand upright with a hand from Jake Reesby on the way to goal.

Peninsula were striking plenty of shots without really threatening and when Lions started to get on top the turning point arrived from the penalty spot when Michael Butters was clipped by Richie Hurlin and Diaz put his team into the lead. The halftime break arrived and the big crowd, mostly supporting Power of course, were yet to really get into a game which threatened to dissolve into a middle of the park slugfest. And there was more of the same in the second half as Lions sucked the life out of the contest with some quality possession play and dominance across the backline. Peninsula had a couple of opportunities, probably just half opportunities, and Luke Borean was up to the task in goal for Lions. Lions came close to putting the game away through Diaz but there was a sinking feeling around the impressive home crowd that this game was going to get away from them. Returning hero Shaun Carlos turned on the style in midfield, controlling the game and showing the maturity he has developed over the last two seasons. So, that’s how it ends… one trophy each for Rochedale Rovers, Lions FC and Peninsula Power as the three clubs head off on their new journeys in 2018. On the balance of the season, that’s probably not a bad way to finish it off.

Coaches Remarks:

Ben Ryan - Peninsula Power: "It’s disappointing because I don’t think Lions had to play well to win it, they’ve just done enough.

They’ve defended well, we haven’t created enough genuine opportunities and in games of this magnitude your not going to score goals.

It’s just disappointing because we haven’t really performed on he biggest stage… bittersweet really.” Warren Moon - Lions FC: "I’m just delighted we’ve got some reward for the season because the boys have worked so hard, we faced adversity in the first part of the season which is the first time most of these boys have had to face that.

We came out, worked hard and got a trophy for our reward so I’m very, very pleased ."

FB Media Player of the Match: Tommy Jarrard (Lions FC).

How he was overlooked for the Team Of The Year is a mystery but he was completely dominant today and quite possibly the most stylish player running around.

FB Media Match Stats:

Possession: 52% - 48% Shots on target: 3 - 6 Shots off target: 7 - 3 Shots off woodwork: 0 - 0

Corners: 11 - 5 Free Kicks: 17 - 18 Offside: 3 - 3 Yellow Cards: 2 - 2 Red Cards: 0 - 0