Why one coach rates Premier League grand final the ‘best finish in Gold Coast history’

IT’S the grand final too freakish to believe. Did Broadbeach and the Knights play the best decider in Gold Coast sports history? Tell us if there has been a better one.

Broadbeach United players, officials and supporters in full cry after the breathtaking grand final win. Photo: Jerad Williams

BROADBEACH United have resumed their position as kings of the Gold Coast Premier League after a stunning last-gasp comeback in the grand final.

The Dolphins took their sixth grand final victory in the last nine years in astonishing circumstances, coming back from the dead in a gripping season finale against league champions Gold Coast Knights at the Croatian Sports Centre on Saturday night.

Trailing 1-0 going into added time, Broadbeach’s never-say-die attitude produced a magical finish when two goals from star striker Shaun Robinson gave them a 2-1 win.

Not even successful coach Lee Vernon expected what was about to happen as the game was turned on its head.

Vernon admitted he was planning tactics for extra-time after Robinson scored his first goal in the 92nd minute – a header from a Daniel Viccars cross.

“When we were one down late we tried to push players forward to put the Knights under pressure,” Vernon said.

“We scored and I was basically getting my plans ready for extra-time when Robbo scored again.

“I reckon that was the most astonishing finish in Gold Coast history. It was just snatch and grab in the end.”

It was a clever through-pass from Japanese Keita Ikeda, who intercepted an errant Knights pass in his defensive end that set up the winner.

Ikeda’s pass found Robinson who cleverly lobbed advancing Knights’ keeper Matt Harris for the goal that set the Sports Centre alight.

Broadbeach two-goal hero Shaun Robinson under pressure from Dean Wernerson of the Knights (red and white). Photo: Jerad Williams

Asked what makes Broadbeach the club it is, Vernon put it down to a rare winning culture and a never-give-up mantra.

“It is something that has been built into the culture of the club for a long time,” Vernon said.

“People come to us for the right reasons. We have a no-money policy, it goes from myself down – I’m treasurer and senior director as well.

“We have only four junior teams which makes it difficult to find sponsorship. We have only four junior teams.”

Losing coach Alex Morrison was gracious in defeat, giving full credit to the Dolphins for their fighting spirit.

“I’ve been telling you all season that they are a good side and never to write them off,” Morrison said.

“Obviously we’re disappointed in ourselves (for conceding the two late goals) but football is a cruel game at times.

“We’ll be all right and we’ll be back.”