Boomers put the heartache of losing the past two deciders to Albury City behind them by overpowering a gallant Albury United 2-1 at Jelbart Park on Sunday.

But it was a controversial build-up to the match, with Albury United’s semi-final hero, Meg Ward, not allowed to play after the AWFA ruled her ineligible.

Ward had netted a hat-trick in the semi-final win over Albury City, but was forced to watch from the sidelines as her team took to the field in the cup final.

 “We tried to stay out of it because it was (between) the association and United,” Boomers coach Steve Hayes said.

“We were going to be disappointed if an ineligible player actually took the field, and probably would have been subjected to some sort of protest I think.

“And that would have been an ugly way for the game to go.”

The game certainly didn’t go to script.

United took the lead in the 26^th minute thanks to a goal from Claire Young.

The Greens took the 1-0 lead into the break and looked threatening in the second half, with Golden Boot winner Alicia Torcaso terrorising the Boomers defence.

It stayed 1-0 to United until nine minutes to go in normal time, when Harris bobbed up for Boomers.

Jenae Abel’s brilliant free kick from the left wing landed on Harris’s head, with the star making no mistake with a well placed header.

Both teams then had good chances to score, before Harris found herself in the right place at the right time to get the winner with six minutes remaining.

“What a run, she came out of nowhere and it just happened to be her in the right place at the right time,” Hayes said.

“She’s clearly the outstanding player in the association.”

After leading for so long, it was a cruel way to finish for United.

“I’m very proud of the girls for making the grand final,” Greens coach Frank Vescio said.

“We gave it our all and with 10 minutes to go with let it slip and unded up second best.

“Congratulations to the girls, it was a great effort and a great season.”