Thunder strikes up win in NPL thriller

Thunder take the honours in seven goal NPL thriller

NPL THRILLER: South West Queensland Thunder's Keagan Sheridan (left) contests a high ball with Magpies Crusaders striker Kyle Markham. The Thunder won the NPL clash 4-3 after trailing 2-0 at halftime. Picture: Daniel McKenzie

FOOTBALL: The SWQ Thunder stuck four times to seal a remarkable NPL win in Mackay at the weekend.

Trailing 3-2 with minutes left in the match, Thunder forward Anthony Grant fired home the winner in the 91st minute to seal a 4-3 win for his side.

Thunder captain Jacob Bigby said his side's tenacity and unwillingness to concede defeat were vital in the win.

"It's a fantastic result for us - we couldn't be happier with the win," Bigby said.

"Coming back from 2-0 at halftime and 3-1 late in the game - it's a special effort from the whole team."

Bigby said the turning point in the match came as his side drew within one goal of their opposition.

"When we got back to 3-2 everyone lifted. They were starting to open a little bit as the game progressed but we really stepped up at that point.

"Everyone was hungry and fighting for the ball - I knew we had a great chance at that stage."

Magpies Crusaders coach Carlos Garcia Alejos has slammed his side after the defeat.

Labelling the loss "embarrassing" post match, an emotional Alejos had no words for the loss, which leaves United equal with Sunshine Coast on three points at the bottom of the ladder.

"There's not much to say, (it's) embarrassing, that's all," he said.

"It was a game we have to win. It's been ridiculous, I'm sorry."

Despite leading for most of the match, Alejos said his side was never fully in control.

"We never controlled the game," he said.

"We didn't deserve to win."

Bigby said the win was a welcome relief for the Thunder.

"We've been on the other side of these types of results," Bigby said.

"We know exactly what it's like.

"It's great to be on the winning side.

"We'll use this energy, this feeling to build on our season as we go into Easter."

Originally published as Thunder strikes up win in NPL thriller