The National Premier League Women’s Reserve League Champions Belconnen United set themselves up for a potential double as they secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Gungahlin United at McKellar Park in the Qualification Final, an end-to-end affair in which chances were replete for both outfits in front of a large crowd.

The Blue Devils were on the front foot from the off and scored after only six minutes as striker Brooke Emms turned home from close range, and that was a lead they were to take into the half-time interval.

However, the advantage would not last long and a superb equalising goal from Milla Polley nine minutes after the resumption brought the Gunners back on terms as the forward lashed her effort high into the top corner of the net to set up an enthralling finale.

Belconnen won it with thirteen minutes remaining though as Alina Roberts, who has graced first grade this term, showed her predatory instincts to net the winner and secure a Grand Final place.

Canberra Olympic moved into the Preliminary Final to take on Gungahlin United with a narrow 1-0 victory over Canberra Croatia at McKellar Park.

In a tight opening half, it was Canberra Olympic who created the better openings, although at one stage Croatia had the Olympic stopper, Jelena Josipovic scrambling to clear her lines, under severe pressure from the red-shirted opponents.

Olympic, who saw Liliana Azana denied by a fine save from Madeline Angel and the same forward lob over the advancing ‘keeper but just wide, broke the deadlock midway through the opening stanza.

Tia Burridge burst from deep and thundered down on goal, finding an unerring finish which gave Angel no chance, much to the delight of the travelling Olympic fans in the grandstand.

Croatia hit the bar after the break, as they sought an equaliser, but it was Olympic who could have scored again, Tiana Malnar denied from the spot by an excellent save from Madeline Angel. It wasn’t to matter though as Olympic claimed the place in the Preliminary Final.

RESULTS

Qualification Final

Belconnen United 2 (J. Emms 6’, Roberts 77’) Gungahlin United 1 (Polley 54’)

Elimination Final

Canberra Olympic 1 (Burridge 15’) Canberra Croatia 0