Victoria claimed bragging rights over Queensland in a thrilling penalty shootout on Saturday, September 25th at The Home of the Matildas in the state’s first appearance in a competitive senior fixture since 2009.
The packed crowd witnessed the best players from NPLM Victoria and Queensland battle for supremacy as Victoria took home the victory 5-4 on penalties after both teams ended the match 1-1.
Post-game, Victorian captain Brad Norton said the match was a “great concept”. “It was a hard-fought game, and it is great to see the best of Victoria coming together and playing together like that,” he said.
“We appreciate the support, it’s a Saturday night, and the season’s finished so to see everyone here, it is great to see, thanks for coming out and supporting us.”
Queensland started on the offensive with Tyson Martin and Andy Pengelly looking dangerous early, although reliable South Melbourne goalkeeper Javier Lopez was able to keep the visiting side at bay.
Queensland’s Kye Bolton nearly gave his side the early advantage in the 15th minute when he was able to intercept a defensive pass and dribble through two Victorians, but his shot on goal ended up hitting the far post.
Marquez Walters would earn his side a free kick just outside the box only minutes later, however, Nicholas Cowburn would swing the ball right - handing the ball back to Victoria.
Victoria’s first shot on target came in the 20th minute through Emlyn Wellsmore as he sent a long ball in the direction of the keeper which doubled as a cross that almost found the head of NPLM Victoria’s all-time leading scorer, Liam Boland.
Once the match ticked over the 20-minute mark carnage ensued with Queensland keeper Jordan Holmes clearing the ball with a commanding double fist, taking out his teammate Marcus Worthington and Victoria’s Liam Boland in a heavy collision.
Victoria would then be forced to make the first substitute of the match when dynamic forward Zander Guy went down with an apparent knee injury in the 24th minute. Avondale teammate Yusuf Ahmed would take his place to the delight of a legion of fans in attendance at The Home of the Matildas.
The change brought some enthusiasm to the Victorian lineup with Avondale’s Kristian Trajceski setting Josh Hope up for a golden chance which required a great save by Holmes at the far post.
Momentum continued to swing the way of the men in blue as midfielder Gianluca Iannucci sent a rocket of a shot soaring just above the crossbar in the 30th minute.
After Queensland squandered another chance on goal, Victoria’s Yusuf Ahmed would make the most of a sloppy defensive pass, dribbling past one defender and shooting truly from range to give his side a 1-0 advantage heading into half-time.
Gianluca Iannucci continued his impressive performance in the second half as he was brought down in a dangerous area after managing to get past two Queensland opponents. Altona’s Cian Cuba then stepped up to try and double the margin, however, his shot went skyward.
Yusuf Ahmed almost had two goals to his name in the 55th minute when he was fed a fantastic ball from Gianluca Iannucci, but his powerful shot bounced off the crossbar.
After some resolute defending by Victoria’s Brad Norton and Ayden Bryce, Andy Pengelly was able to get a shot away and find the back of the net through a sea of players in the box.
As time wore on both sides were pressing for a winning goal, with Victoria coming close in the 67th minute as Pat Langlois was unable to get a decent purchase on the ball followed by Iannucci skying the ball on the follow-up.
Both teams traded blows in an attempt to break the deadlock and despite a late penalty cry from Kristian Trajceski, the two sides were sent to a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner of the inaugural Battle of the States.
Green Gully’s Gianluca Iannucci produced a quality Panenka partway through the shoot-out, putting the pressure on the men in maroon.
Oakleigh Cannons’ Emlyn Wellsmore made it seven converted penalties in a row across both sides and then Queensland captain Joe Duckworth made it eight as the pressure went back on the Vic’s.
Queensland-born, Altona Magic’s Cian Cuba attempted to chip the ball down the middle but found the crossbar as a miss, before Victorian-born Lewis Greenwood had a chance to win the match for Queensland but skied the ball.
Following a conversion by Kristian Tracjeski, Javier Lopez was the hero, saving Ryo Emoto’s penalty to hand Victoria the victory.
The Player of the Match was awarded to Queensland’s Tyson Martin. Both Member Federations and respective teams were glowing in their praise for the concept with the game set to become an annual fixture on the NPL calendar ahead of season 2024