Wagga City Wanderers claim NPL2 title by penalty shootout

"That's over. That's over," he muttered to himself.

But then it dropped into the net to send the Premier League 2 final into a penalty shootout, leaving Babic with one word on his lips: "Wow."

Twice Wagga City had its foot in the door to claim its maiden NPL2 title. But it took 125 minutes and five penalties to beat Yoogali SC 5-4 at Deakin Stadium on Sunday.

It brought a remarkable end to its second season in the Capital Football competition, having also beaten ANU 5-4 on penalties in the under-23 division.

"To have a Riverina final, you couldn't be prouder. There's some good football in our region and that's what we're showcasing," Babic said. "To get the bickies at the end, I'm pretty excited. To win as a squad today is pretty fantastic."

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It seemed as though Wagga City had waltzed to victory until 42-year-old Grant Davidson smashed the ball home to level the scores with five minutes remaining, sending the final into extra-time.

Man of the match Isaac Brooker converted a penalty for a foul against Jordan Bavaresco to give Wagga City another one-goal lead. But Yoogali fought back with a bad case of déjà vu, Donadel slotting an unlikely equaliser in the final seconds.

After two hours of playing time, the Wanderers edged out Yoogali with three successful penalties to two.

"The character the boys have shown to concede in the 85th minute and then turn around and play a whole half-hour of extra-time," Babic said.

"To be so close in normal time and then that last kick of the game fell into the net, lift and compose yourself for a penalty shootout is pretty special. I'm happy with that."

Yoogali spent the match chasing Wagga City's lead, despite having dominated in possession and taken 12 corners. They created more chances but struggled to break through, having lost midfielder Joe Preece to injury in the opening minutes.

Matt Menser put Wagga City ahead in the 11^th minute when the veteran midfielder hit back on counter-attack, lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Michael De Paoli.

That was the difference at half-time, although Menser could have had another when Wagga City was awarded a free kick for a foul against Donadel.

He bent a stunning strike towards the left corner, only for De Paoli to palm it over the crossbar.

Following Davidson's equaliser, golden-boot leader Danny Roche had three chances to secure the title for Yoogali in the closing minutes of regular time. One went wide and the others were denied by goalkeeper Robert Fry.

Despite the result, the loss marked the final chapter in a remarkable debut season for Yoogali - who travelled more than 3800 kilometres and claimed the minor premiership en route to the decider.

Yoogali will continue their hunt for a maiden championship when it matters most, with Capital Football to introduce promotion and relegation next season.

But for Babic, the chance to claim back-to-back titles and join NPL1 is far from his mind - with Wagga City set for another squad rebuild.

"It does [set us up well] but the hard thing for us being in the country is that it's another rebuild for us," Babic said.

"We've got four boys in the starting line-up who are doing their HSC, they'll move onto university next year. We have to find another four players.

"We won't know until pre-season what our squad will look like. We got the job done this year but it's going to be a lot harder next year."

AT A GLANCE

NPL2 grand final: WAGGA CITY WANDERERS 2 (Menser 18' I Brooker 118') drew with YOOGALI 2 (Davidson 85' Donadel 120+5') after extra-time. Full-time: 1-1. Wagga City won 5-4 on penalties.