Loaded WaiBOP Football has qualified for the 2016 National Women's League playoffs after a stunning late two goal burst gave the team a 3-2 win at defending champions, Northern.
Hannah Reid's far post header in added time on Sunday put the seal on a remarkable comeback for a Loaded WaiBOPside that had trailed by two goals at the break and were lucky not to be further behind.
Northern began like the champion side they were, aided by playing in front of a home crowd.
Goals from Katie Rood and Sam Tawharu had Northern 2-0 ahead inside 20 minutes and seemingly on their way back to the top of the table and gaining the hosting rights for the final that would have come with that finish.
WaiBOP's Amanda Wilshier was by far the busiest of the two keepers during the first half, with Northern monopolising chances on goal. But they couldn't extend their lead.
The away side began the second half with far greater purpose. After firing an early warning shot, Leanna Ryan halved the deficit with a neatly taken goal.
Northern weren't quite at their earlier dominating best, but still created the chances to put the game beyond WaiBOP's reach. Wilshier and her defenders held strong, however, while the cross bar and upright also came to WaiBOP's aid.
Then came the frantic finish. Ryan equalised right on full time with a cracking effort then, within moments, WaiBOP had the lead courtesy of Reid's header. Northern still had time to put the ball in the net again, but it was ruled out for off-side.
The victory, coupled with Canterbury United Pride being held to a draw at home by Central, meant the top three teams ended the regular season level on 13 points.
Canterbury, however, finished top, while Capital were deemed to be second and WaiBOP third.
Canterbury will host the final in two weeks' time, while WaiBOP must now travel to Capital next weekend to fight for the right to play Canterbury. Northern, who sat top two weeks ago, missed out altogether.
- More to come
Result: National Women's League - round 7 QBE Stadium, Auckland
