Canberra Olympic 2 (Cattanach 43', Gulevski 77') def. by Belconnen United 2 (Ugrinic 37', 88') (2-4 on Penalties) 

Belconnen United came from behind in the second half to record a stunning penalty shootout win over Canberra Olympic in Saturday’s Playstation4 National Premier Leagues Qualifying Final.

Jason Ugrinic’s second goal with only minutes left in regulation pegged the Premiers back after they had lead through goals to Robbie Cattanach and Josh Gulevski.

Neither side took the ascendancy initially on a superb afternoon at Deakin, with plenty of scrappy midfield play and unwillingness to take the initiative.

Both keepers had a relaxed start to the game as they were kept to claiming crosses, but Olympic had a good chance after 17 minutes as Daniel Colbertaldo floated a free-kick over the United defence. Josh Gulevski got free from his marker but his header from in front went over the bar. 

Olympic suffered a setback as Nic Bobolas was helped off the field and replaced by Bernard Rene, forcing an early use of a substitute in a game where extra-time was on the cards.

The Premiers held more of the ball as the half wore on, but just eight minutes from the end of the half United struck against the run of play to grab the lead.

A free-kick from the left was lofted in and headed down, causing chaos in the box. But Jason Ugrinic took the ball as it bounced again, swivelled and rifled home through a crowded area to beat Angelo Konstantinou in goals. 

But two minutes before the break Olympic hit back as Robbie Cattanach got on the board. The ever-present midfielder was squared the ball by Domenici on the edge of the area and let fly with a delightful chip, beating Jurak in goals to pull his side level heading into half-time.

United had chances early as the second half got underway including a penalty shout that was waved away as Daniel Fabrizio went down under pressure, and Dustin Wells came close just after the half hour mark.

It was Gulevski though who made his effort count next, as he was set through behind the United defence. The youngster bolted towards the byline before firing low and hard across Jurak into the far corner and put Olympic ahead. 

Domenici had a chance shortly after to extend the lead but the ball got away after he beat Jurak, and with two minutes left in regulation United were given the chance to equalise as the referee pointed to the spot. 

Ugrinic stepped up to convert and send the game to extra-time as the lights came on and the sun dipped behind the horizon.

Extra-time was a quiet affair with both sides tiring and struggling to create chances. Leo Mazis was brought on for United at the end of 90 minutes but he was given his second yellow card and his marching orders in the final minute of extra-time following a rash challenge on Colbertaldo. 

Headed to penalties it was anyone’s game, but Jurak took his chance and saved Olympic’s first two penalties from Konstantinou and Domenici to ensure that United booked their place in a home grand final at McKellar Park.