Goonellabah remain atop a congested leader board after Round 12 of the Football Far North Coast Men’s Premier Division. The Hornets had a resounding 5-0 victory over Lennox Head with a brace to Matt Armstrong and goals to Batok Ring, Will McCalman and Liam Kelly. The Hornets head into next weekend’s blockbuster against Rovers in good shape.
A Kaine Allen goal before most spectators had found their seat, gave Lismore Thistles the perfect start against Byron Bay on Saturday. That was however the end of the Blues ascendancy as Byron Bay quickly clicked into gear. A goal to Aaron Walker after 9 minutes and another at the 20 minute mark from imposing striker Tyson Kaye, changed the tempo in favour of the Rams. A third goal early in the second half, again scored by Walker, was a bridge to far for the home side and Byron Bay prevailed 3-1.
Bangalow further entrenched their position in the top five with a comprehensive win over Lismore Workers are Richards Oval. In a match that started at a frantic pace with plenty of lateral movement and long balls to find space, it was a beautifully lofted and angled kick from the Bluedogs’ Scot Fuller 12 minutes in, that found the lanky Bryn Hicks in the six yard box to volley the ball into the back of the net. With scheming strikers Sam Ireland and Byron Milne causing havoc for the Workers defence, it was an innocuous corner from Joel Rudgley that eluded everyone and snuck in at the Redmen’s near post. Returning from the break with a 2-0 lead a further goal from Rudgley and one from Daniel Crisante in the second half, was enough to see the visitors home 4-0.
Rovers got the 3 points against a determined Stars outfit on Friday night, with Jono See blasting two magnificent left foot strikes in his team’s 3-0 win. Stars efforts defy their lowly ranking on the table and Rovers coach Bobby Bugden was a relieved man and flagged his intention to expect a lot more from his team as the season increases intensity.
Casino and Alstonville shared the points after a one all draw, in an entertaining Sunday game at Colley Park. Casino led 1-0 and had a few chances to extend their lead, however Alstonville came home strong and netted an equaliser later in the second half to ensure they didn’t come away empty handed.
