A 92nd-minute winner from Bekki Cole ensured Douglas Royal beat Peel 2-1 in Sunday’s dramatic Women’s League title play-off.

The two clubs couldn’t be separated at the top of the Nedbank-sponsored league table, forcing the weekend’s title decider.

Becky Corkish put the westerners ahead only for Donna Shimmin to draw the two sides level in the second half. Cole’s goal in stoppage time secured the Ballafletcher side the silverware in dramatic fashion.

This was the first time that the women’s league had been decided by a play-off game in a ’winner takes all’ contest at Peel’s Douglas Road ground.

The match was eventful and very well attended, with a crowd of 60-plus enjoying an entertaining battle.

The home side took the lead after 19 minutes when an excellent free-kick by Sarah O’Reilly picked out Corkish’s late run into the box and she delivered a well-taken header for the opening goal of the game.

Disrupted by that goal, Simon Elson’s Royal were on the back foot and found it hard to get a foothold in the game.

Peel had a great chance to increase their lead when a Daniella Betteridge cross was met by Becky Abbott who headed the ball straight into Jane Caley arms, much to the relief of the Whites keeper.

Peel seemed to have extra players on the pitch as they chased every single ball, closing Royal down at every opportunity.

Therefore, the half-time whistle could not have arrived soon enough for the Royal team, just as Peel were starting to look like they would score another goal.

After half-time, the visitors changed their formation and started to gain the upper hand in the match.

The next goal in the match was always going to be crucial and it went Royal’s way in the 64th minute when Shimmin scored the equaliser with a poacher’s goal that just crept over the line.

Peel attempted to retake the lead and tried to release Abbott and Maxine Smalley on the break throughout the second half, but were unable to find the killer pass.

Just when it looked like time was running out and the match was heading towards extra-time, Royal struck the winning goal when Cole netted in the 92nd minute, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst the visiting Ballafletcher faithful.

Thanks go to Nedbank Private Wealth bank for its continued support of the women’s game in the island.