Paul Clarke, Star Writer

Western Bureau:

Montpelier will meet Lucea tomorrow at the Watson Taylor Park to determine the winner of the 2012-13 Captain's Bakery and Grill Hanover Football Association Major League, after brushing aside Sandy Bay 5-4 on penalties.

It was a fantastic game between the two evenly matched rivals, who traded blows and goals in a rough and tumble return-leg semi-final that lived up to expectations, as Montpelier withstood a two-goal setback early in the second half and rallied to tie the game at 2-2.

"This is really good for the team. I am proud of the players, especially after coming back from two goals down, they showed heart," said player/coach Denton Vidal.

Installed as favourites, Sandy Bay were dangerous early and it was they who eventually broke the deadlock, through attacking midfielder Kenneth Keith who fired them into the lead in the 48th minute.

Keith almost made it 2-0, but his blistering shot crashed against the crossbar and back into play a few minutes later.

Robert Clarke fired his effort past the Montpelier goalkeeper and into the back of the net in the 71st minute for a 2-0 lead and it appeared they were home high and dry for a place in the final.

But six minutes later, Steve Russell scored his first of two to reduce the deficit and then fought off his defender to fire low past Sandy Bay custodian Wade Duncan for a 82nd-minute equaliser to send the game into extra time.