Loaded WaiBOP Football have been defeated on penalties by a brave Capital Football side who played the majority of the National Women's League pre-final with 10 players.
The pivotal moment of the game at Memorial Park, Petone on Sunday came just before the hour mark when WaiBOP speedster, Leanna Ryan,was clattered on the edge of the area by Capital's keeper, Anna Wittmann-Wenzel.
Wittmann-Wenzel was rightly sent off and Chelsea Elliott rammed home the resulting free-kick to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
WaiBOP kept this lead deep into injury time, but failed to repulse one final Capital attack, which led to substitute Emily Morison giving her side a vital lifeline.
Earlier, WaiBOP had opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Helen Arjomadi lobbed the ball home, but Capital's Briar Palmer squared things up only six minutes later.
The first half was an incredibly open affair, with both sides going close on numerous occasions.
Rotorua's Amanda Wilshier was kept very busy in goal on the weekend against Capital Football. Photo/Supplied.
After the break the match was predictably tighter. WaiBOP seemed to be controlling things, especially after Capital went down to 10, and had chances to kill the game off.
A quiet extra time period led inevitably to penalties and Capital, shooting first, held their nerves best.
Capital Football celebrate after beating Loaded WaiBOP on penalties in the National Women's League pre-final. Photo/ Supplied.
WaiBOP head coach Barry Gardiner thought his team had the upper hand when they went 2-1 ahead but he praised the tenacity of the Capital side.
"It was a hard task out there," said Gardiner. "There were two even teams playing. But full credit to Capital you could never tell that we had the extra player and that was credit to their work rate but we also could have moved the ball a bit quicker.
"When you get to penalties, it is a lottery isn't it? We are happy with what we have done this season, obviously disappointed to not go through to the final but we are proud of what we achieved."
Capital will now travel to take on Canterbury United Pride in next Sunday's National Women's League final.
Result:
Capital 2 Loaded WaiBOP AET 2 (ht: 1-all) - Capital won 4-2 on penalties. CAP: Palmer 16', Morison 90+5'. WAI: Arjomandi 10′, Elliott 61'.
