A 10-man Magpies came from behind to claim a 3-1 extra-time victory over rivals Valentine and ensured the Northern NSW First Division major premiership would return to Cooks Square Park for the first time since 2009.

Yesterday’s result followed the Magpies long-sought minor premiership and recent ­promotion to Northern’s top flight competition but, like the regular season accolades, Maitland were once again forced to fight for the prize on grand final day.

“It was heart that got us across the line today,” Magpies captain Blake Thompson after the holding the trophy aloft in front of the black and white faithful. 

“You couldn’t get a better bunch of blokes and this is just one of the best feelings.”

The Magpies went behind after half an hour when Valentine’s Ben Glachan finished off a well-worked cross.

The next major blow was delivered late in the decider when Magpies midfielder Chris Broadley was sent off for a second yellow card and Maitland were reduced to 10 men.

But rather than stop the Magpies in their tracks, the incident seemed to prompt Maitland into action and it was defender Murray Leyland who equalised shortly after from

close range following a corner and goal line scramble.

This was enough to force the encounter to 30 minutes of extra-time and it was the Magpies who soared highest.

Maitland striker Joel Wood scored three minutes in beating the outstretched goalkeeper with a well taken goal and giving the Magpies an invaluable 2-1 lead.

On the brink of change of ends in extra time Valentine were also reduced to 10 men.

The final 15 minutes of the gruelling two-hour contest had players out on their feet, but the Magpies somehow managed to withstand everything Valentine threw at them.

Maitland then clinched the game with a length-of-the-field counter attack finished by striker Ben Martin and enthusiastically celebrated by Magpies supporters gathered at that same end.

The full-time whistle then sparked scenes of jubilation from the players, fans and club officials while helping to erase the memories of grand final losses at the same venue both last year and in 2008.

Outgoing Magpies coach Graham Law paid tribute to his troops and their incredible performance yesterday.

“That just sums up everything about that bunch of boys,” Law said.

“They just don’t know how to get beat.”

The Magpies dropped just one match from 24 fixtures this season.

Next year they will play in the Northern NSW National Premier League after 12 years in First Division.

The club’s head coach for 2015 will be Chris Turner while Reece Thompson, Law’s assistant this year, has been appointed first grade coach.

In under-23s Thornton were unlucky to go down 2-1 to minor premiers Valentine after having what appeared a legitimate equaliser late in the game.

The Redbacks came from a goal down to equalise through Jason von Meding and make it 1-1 at the break.

After going down midway through the second half they thought they had equalised again through Greg Campbell, only to see the linesman's flag go up.

Maitland Magpies' grand final day began in winning fashion, with the under-19s claiming the minor/major premiership double with a 2-1 defeat of Cessnock at Adamstown Oval.

Jaymen Smith opened the scoring with a header after just nine minutes, and Connor Heydon doubled the young Magpies' advantage just a minute into the second half.

The victory marked Maitland under 19s second-straight grand final win, having defeated Thornton 3-2 in last year's decider.

For more pictures and reaction see Tuesday's Mercury.

Photos from the grand final and all sporting events covered by Mercury photographers can be purchased. To order call the Mercury on (02) 4931 0100 or call into the Mercury office at 6/555 High Street, Maitland.