Football Queensland lifted the 2024 Jones-Millman Cup after a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Football Victoria, following a dramatic 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Despite Victoria dominating large portions of the match, late goals from Queensland sent the contest to penalties, where the home side held their nerve to secure the win.
The much-anticipated Battle of the States clash started with plenty of chances for Victoria, with the away side matching the intensity of the Queensland heat. Victoria’s relentless pressing was too much for Queensland early, with Tegan Riding collecting Miri Nishimura heavily near the halfway line, setting up Tiffany Eliadis for the first real chance for Victoria, but her cross missed its mark.
Queensland began to settle into the match with captain Steph Latham pushing forward and creating her side's first chance. However, Victoria’s Keely Lockhart displayed great defensive composure, out-muscling her opponent and passing the ball calmly back to Victorian keeper Bethany Mason-Jones.
Just a minute later, Haley Johnson came close to opening the scoring for Victoria with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the top corner.
Victoria found the breakthrough in the 19th minute as Eliadis slid a clever through ball to her Bulleen Lions teammate Maja Markovski, who coolly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper, giving Victoria a deserved 1-0 lead.
Despite increased pressure from Queensland, Bethany Mason-Jones was equal to the task, making a crucial diving save in the 29th minute to deny Tegan Riding after a dangerous through ball from Shianna Singh. Victoria held onto their 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Queensland came out with renewed vigor in the second half, gaining more possession and attacking opportunities, but Victoria’s defence, marshalled by captain Emma Checker, stood firm. The visitors were rewarded with a penalty in the 65th minute after a handball in the box, which Emily Roach confidently converted to extend their lead to 2-0.
As the match entered its final stages, Queensland’s hopes were reignited as they were able to find the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
With momentum on their side, Queensland continued to press, and in the 89th minute, Beck Horsey tapped the ball in from close range. Despite protests from the Victorian players claiming offside, the goal stood after a lengthy deliberation, sending the match to penalties.
Queensland struck first in the shootout, with Chantelle Maugeri’s effort dramatically bouncing in off the crossbar. The pressure was immediately on Victoria, and the ever-reliable Tiffany Eliadis saw her shot saved by Queensland’s goalkeeper Layla Adams.
Queensland’s Anna Hirakawa calmly slotted their next penalty, but Victoria’s Maja Markovski responded, keeping her side in the contest. Ana Tormena then delivered a cheeky chip to make it 3-1, with Victoria captain Emma Checker unable to convert her spot-kick as Queensland’s Layla Adams guessed correctly.
With victory within reach for Queensland, Lila Utatoo’s attempt went wide, offering Victoria a glimmer of hope. Ellie La Monte confidently converted for Victoria, making it 3-2. However, Queensland’s McKenzie Nielsen stepped up and sealed the victory with a pinpoint shot into the top right corner.
Player of the Match:
Queensland’s goalkeeper Layla Adams earned Player of the Match honours, her crucial saves in the penalty shootout proving the difference in securing the Jones-Millman Cup for Queensland.