A fast-paced first half and stylish finish earned Pottsville Beach some much-needed early round points in the Football Far North Coast Premier League clash against Italo Stars at Koala Beach on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers were unlucky not to come away with the points, finishing with a one-all draw against the visitors.
The home team scored just 10 minutes in, through Josh Taylor and, although they had other chances in the “end-to-end” first half, it was the visitors that put the ball into the back of the net late in the half to lock the game at one-all.
“It was a really fast paced first half, a bit scrappy,” player/coach Dave Lonie admitted.
“But we settled down. The boys played really well in the second half and created a lot of chances. We had 10-12 opportunities.”
Despite the dominant performance, the Panther’s never found the back of the net again, something they will be looking to rectify when they take on champions Richmond Rovers back at Koala Beach again.
The match should be a good test for the Pathers and a chance to show the rest of the competition just how competitive Lonie and his side will be this year.
In other games, Italo Stars meet Casino on Friday night and, even after two rounds, this is a match that is a “must win” for both sides.
Casino have conceded eight goals after two rounds and coach Scott Creighton has a big challenge with a side that has limited personnel capable of competing at this level.
Stars are a seasoned outfit, however lack the ‘x-factor’ required.
Byron Bay were sharp, skilful and fluent in their match against Rovers and coach Sowter has a good blend of experienced campaigners and young tyros at his disposal.
Ian Lennie and Bruce Morhaus give the Rams composure and they will be way too strong for Alstonville this Saturday.
Both sides will be playing their second game in five days after also competing in an ANZAC Cup semi-final this week.
Ballina are yet to play, due to the wet weather and host Lismore Workers, who are sitting pretty with two wins from as many starts.
New signing Vinnie Decarvalho has impressed Redmen supporters and he looks to be a real crowd pleaser with his presence on the ball, with the young players appearing to enjoy the opportunities that come from having a fast and imaginative player in the attacking zone.
Goonellabah and Lismore Thistles also have to recover from a mid-week clash although they have until Sunday to soothe the aches and pains.
The Hornets would have been pleased with seeing Byron and Rovers battle out a draw last week and maximum points will be on their mind in this fixture.
Thistles will travel to Weston Park, knowing that their credentials will be tested by one of the top teams and this should be a fast, open game.
