mmalone@dailyadver tiser.com.au

TOLLAND capped off a sensational finish to the Football Wagga season by scoring a thrilling 1-0 win over Wagga United in the grand final at Gissing Oval yesterday.

In a game packed with controversy, a goal to Tolland striker Alexander Rudd in the dying minutes of the game handed the Wolves an upset victory.

With the scores locked at nil-all 43 minutes into the second half, Rudd made the most of a sensational cross from Nathan Carroll to head the ball into the back of the net.

Just as Tolland appeared home, Wagga United made one last push into attack where striker David Connelly leapt high over the goalkeeper to head a loose ball into goals.

The moment, four minutes into injury time, sent United players and supporters into a frenzy but the equaliser was not allowed due to a penalty being awarded due to interference.

The final whistle arrived not long after, handing Tolland a 1-0 win and its second premiership in three years.

It was still a gutsy effort from Wagga United, who played a man down for the majority of the second half.

Wagga United midfielder Kieran Kerr was sent off six minutes into the second half after earning a second yellow card for his tackle on Tolland striker Steven Wait.

He earned a yellow card earlier in the first half for another illegal challenge.

Despite playing a man short, Wagga United still had its chances, especially in the second half.

Wagga United striker Travis Weir went close to breaking the deadlock midway through the second stanza when narrowly missing two chances in the space of a few minutes.

His first strike went wide to the left, before a slashing run just moments later resulted in his shot being saved by Tolland keeper Patrick Hogan.

Tolland, too, had its chances, its best being a header from Will Silver that sailed just over the post midway through the second half.

But in the end, it was a sublime cross from Carroll, then an equally impressive finish from Rudd that handed Tolland the advantage and eventually the win.

Tolland midfielder Will Silver was named player of the match, while Jamie Pascoe, Jason Cuttle, Rudd and Bruno Lucas all played major roles in the victory.

For Wagga United, it looked most dangerous when Travis Weir and David Connelly had possession, while Lincoln Weir and Adam Holmes were others to stand out.