Monaro Panthers hosted Coast Tigers in the semi-finals of the NPL Capital Territory on 5 September.
The visitors secured a 2:1 victory to advance, leaving the hosts with work to do.
The hosts and guests engaged in a tight contest from the whistle, though the second half decided everything.
The opening goal came early, catching the home side off guard.
L. Ahmed-Shaibu found the net in the 12' to give Monaro the lead.
To be fair, the visitors looked vulnerable in those opening exchanges.
Monaro built on that start to maintain pressure.
The momentum shifted after the break when Coast Tigers struck back.
D. Owusu levelled the scores in the 67' minute, turning the tie on its head.
By then, the intensity had ramped up significantly between the two sides.
The decisive moment arrived late in the game, as is often the case in finals.
S. Barber scored the winner in the 85' to seal the result for Coast Tigers.
And here's the thing: the home side had plenty of time to find an equaliser but ran out of ideas.
The visitors held firm under pressure after that crucial strike.
The win moves Coast Tigers closer to the top of the table, closing the gap on leaders.
They sit third with 31 points after 15 matches, while Monaro remain second on 33 points.
Recent results suggest both sides are in good form, with Coast Tigers winning their last five games.
This victory changes the dynamic of the semi-final series considerably.