Surfers Paradise have won the Gold Coast Premier League grand final 3-1 over Palm Beach

A TOMOKI Asakawa overtime masterclass has elevated Surfers Paradise to immortal status after enjoying a historic 3-1 win over Palm Beach in the Gold Coast Premier League grand final on Saturday night at Lex Bell Oval.

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A TOMOKI Asakawa overtime masterclass has elevated Surfers Paradise to immortal status after enjoying a historic 3-1 win over Palm Beach in the Gold Coast Premier League grand final on Saturday night at Lex Bell Oval.

After going undefeated and claiming the league title at the conclusion of the regular season, Apollo survived yet another scare from Palm Beach to avenge their 2019 runner-up status and claim a famous double.

Not since Merrimac’s unblemished record in 1982 has a side gone through a season without losing a game before doing the same in the finals to claim the double.

But the night belonged to Asakawa who proved the difference in overtime with two crucial goals after only joining Apollo late in the season.

Surfers Goal keeper Faider Royer-Meja was judged man of the match for saving his side on countless occasions.

Surfers Player celebrate one of Tomoki Asakawa’s goals. Pic Mike Batterham

Apollo coach Alex Morrison said his focus had already shifted to next season as his side prepares to try and repeat their impressive feat.

“We were tough, all season, we beat teams we had to beat, we had to take care of your Nerangs and Broadbeaches but we took care of business every week,” Morrison said post-match.

“To go undefeated, to win the grand final, I’m so proud of every single one of them.

“I’m really proud of my lads and I love coaching them and let’s do it again next year.

“We have an amazing squad.”

Morrison also signalled Palm Beach would soon emerge as a constant Premier League contender after outclassing his side during the first half.

“It was a great final,” he said.

“You guys will be an outstanding team going forward.”

Grand final of the Gold Coast Premier League (soccer) senior men's competition between Surfers Paradise Apollo and Palm Beach Sharks. Surfers Player celebrate. Pic Mike Batterham (nb team sheet was not available)

The Sharks threatened constantly in the first half and took a 1-0 lead into half time thanks to captain Dan Smith only for an energetic Surfers to score a crucial equaliser midway through the second and send the match into overtime.

But despite the two front runners drawing twice in the regular seasons, Apollo displayed their class to cap off one of the most dominant seasons in recent memory and win their first Premier League grand final since 2016.

Palm Beach coach Brett Budwee is confident his side will rebound next year with a strong young core predicted to return and grow over the next few seasons.

“I never expected to be in this situation at the start of the year so for my boys, it’s an overachievement and I think the next three, four or five years is where we’re looking anyway,” he said.

“Don’t be disappointed, you’ve done well this year and like I said it’s about the next three, four and five years and if we keep this group together, we can challenge every year.

“You’ve (Surfers) been the standard-bearer all year so to take us to extra time is good for us young lads.”