Underdogs Annerley Claim Grand Final

Capalaba 0 Annerley 1 (Hein 5') HT 0-1 Played at: Wolter Park

Gabrielle Hein’s 4th minute strike proved to be enough as Annerley stunned Capalaba with a 1-0 Grand Final success at Wolter Park. The crowd were still settling when Donna Smith lobbed the ball over the Capalaba defence to pick out Hein who raced into the box and slid the ball beyond Jess McLean and inside that far post to put her side ahead. The first half presented few other clear cut opportunities until the half hour mark when Sachiko Tatsuoka hit a long range effort that beat Gemma Layfield in the Annerley goal but not the cross section of the post and bar. Capalaba came out the second half more determined and controlled much of the possession. Jascinta Perrin produced a good save from Layfield with a 20 yard effort whilst a deflected effort from Teagan Thompson almost beat Layfield when flicking off the leg of Cindy Carroll which momentarily set pulses racing. A short time late, Annika Coyne’s fierce long range drive was blocked by the Bulldog’s defence with it looking goal bound. Capalaba’s best chance to level the game came with just under twenty minutes remaining. A deep cross from Lucie McDowell was met on the half volley by Steph Latham just inside the penalty area. Her effort fizzing of the boot and looking set to nestle just inside Layfield’s right post until the Annerley keeper produced her best save of the game to dive full length to her right and tip the ball round the post. Despite continued pressure, Capalaba were unable to breakdown a dogged Annerley defence that was marshalled superbly by Kate Deegan. The final whistle eventually brought relief to the Annerley faithful as Anthony Costa’s side claimed the silverware. It was without doubt an entertaining encounter between two well matched sides. The game ebbed and flowed and despite Capalaba’s overall dominance, they could not find the breakthrough they needed.

Coaches Remarks:

Robert Gibson - Capalaba: "Their goal keeper kept them in it. I believe we outplayed them. We kept the ball and had more possession. But one goal five minutes in, well that's football isn't it. Annerley have done well. They've claimed some big scalps now so credit to them." Anthony Costa - Annerley: "That was a good advertisement for women's football. Credit to Capalaba. They probably had the more chances. We had a game plan and the girls stuck with it an trusted me. Some people questioned it but someones got to win ugly. I'm very proud of the girls."

FB Media Player of the Match: Rachael MacNamara (Annerley).

A superb effort in the middle of the park which helped restrict the Bulldogs.

FB Media Match Stats:

Possession: 49% - 51% Shots on target: 5 - 5 Shots off target: 12 - 6 Shots off woodwork: 1 - 0

Shots blocked: 5 - 1

Corners: 9 - 7 Free Kicks: 17 - 18 Offside: 2 - 0 Yellow Cards: 0 - 0 Red Cards: 0 - 0