Belconnen United 3 (Maddy Whittall 6', 86', Raymond 45') def. Gungahlin United (Corbett 34', Aitchison 71')

Belconnen United qualified for the PS4 NPLW Grand-Final once more as they beat Gungahlin United with a late goal from Maddy Whittall in a thrilling Qualifying Final at McKellar Park on Sunday.

Antoni Jagarinec’s Blue Devils were quick out of the blocks, creating a string of early chances and notching an early goal through the competitions top scorer, Maddy Whittall. She making no mistake as the ball dropped to her feet in the box, tucking away a well-placed effort after just 6 minutes.

Gungahlin were not looking to be steam rolled like many before them though, as the visitors started to show just how hungry they were to upset their opponents, putting up a physical battle for possession in the middle of the park.

The Blue Devils began to press further forward as the half progressed, forcing some nervy passes within the visitor’s backline backline, but failing to take advantage in the front third.

Gungahlin’s first equaliser came somewhat against the run of play, as defender Rachel Corbett pressed the Belconnen backline and forced Klara Manenica into an error in goals, slotting home into an empty net after 34 minutes.

With the leveller seemingly kicking Gungahlin into gear, Belconnen were on the back foot as the away side pressed high against them, but the Blue Devils were looking dangerous on the counter attack.

As the half wound down, Jagarinec’s side were able to grab a go-ahead goal on the cusp of the break, with Whittall and Chloe Callaghan linking up to take the ball into the box before Ellie Raymond forced home a header on the line just moments before the whistle.

The start of the second half saw the home start on the front foot once again, creating two good chances from a Nicole Jalocha header and a Whittall cutback, but failing to convert and extend their lead.

Gungahlin were to make their opponents pay with a stunning effort from Ilahna Aitchison, who collected the ball in the middle of the park and confidently fired in a long-range effort that looped over Manenica’s head from 35 yards out to level the scores in the 71^st minute.

Nerves began to take hold, as both sides looked desperate to claim a late winner with the clock winding down, and some fiery challenges flying in.

But Belconnen found the winner with just under five minutes to play. Whittall pounced on a loose ball in the box and held out under the challenge of Najwa Allen, to find