National Premier League: Bentleigh Greens win third title in five years after penalty shootout win over Avondale in grand final

They had to come from fifth, beat the favourite and survive a penalty shootout, but that’s all in a day’s work for the Bentleigh Greens.

Bentleigh Greens are champions again. Picture: Hamish Blair

Bentleigh Greens claimed its third NPLV title in five years after a stunning penalty shootout win over the more fancied Avondale at a rain-drenched AAMI Park on Sunday night.

The Greens finished the regular season in fifth place but went up a gear in the games that mattered most, getting over Hume City and Heidelberg United before a fairytale win on the biggest night of the year.

Avondale, beaten by Heidelberg in last season’s decider, looked the steadier in the early going and took the lead in the 42nd minute when Liam Boland cleverly held up the ball while Yusuf Ahmed made a perfectly-timed run into the box.

With Ahmed approaching the goalmouth at top speed, Boland split the Bentleigh defence with a perfect pass that Ahmed smashed through Greens keeper Ryan Scott and into the back of the net.

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Ryan Scott, Bentleigh Greens’ penalty shootout hero, celebrates with the trophy. Picture: Hamish Blair

Bentleigh was back on level terms in the 63rd minute after a moment of brilliance from Jack Webster, the centre-half charging down the right before glancing up to see Avondale keeper Rory Brian advancing off his line.

Webster’s instinctive chip shot sailed in slow motion over the keeper before dropping in just under the bar for the equaliser.

Both teams had chances in the remaining minutes of regular time and 30 minutes of extra-time, a number of shots going just wide or hitting the woodwork, before the season was decided from the penalty spot.

It was to be Ryan Scott’s chance to shine.

The Greens’ keeper made two crucial saves — guessing correctly and diving to his left to deny Scott Hilliar before launching to his right and parrying Charlie Beverley’s shot off the upright — as Bentleigh banked a 4-3 shootout win.

Let the Bentleigh Greens premiership party commence. Picture: Hamish Blair

In earlier games, Dandenong Thunder will remain in NPLV after a 1-0 win over FC Bulleen Lions in the promotion/relegation playoff while Calder United are the NPL women’s champions after a 1-0 win, also over FC Bulleen Lions.