PORT United had a great start to the new Northern League competitions, with the Ladies and Men’s sides both recording impressive victories.
Unfortunately the Men’s Dragons side was defeated 4-1 in Kempsey by the Hornets. The Port side was depleted in numbers but still fought hard.
The United Ladies team put 13 goals past Kempsey Hornets and also kept a clean sheet in an impressive team display.
Midfielders Jessica Morris and Misti Bowder-Brandt were strong in the middle of the park and created numerous attacking raids on the Hornets defence, as did Naomi Abbott.
New signing Leah Wilson netted four goals, as did last season’s top scorer Lexie Wilson in a strong all round performance.
Under 16 player Tomika Adams also scored three goals in a fine performance and Morris added two goals to the home side’s tally.
This weekend, the squad takes on defending champions Macleay Valley Rangers in Port Macquarie, with the winner able to take an early advantage in the minor premiership race.
The United side took on Wauchope Axemen in the Men’s match on Saturday.
In a tight and cagey first half, clear cut chances were limited. The deadlock was broken not long before half-time when an Axemen defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area.
Player/coach Brenton Doyle stepped up for the home side and fired in an unstoppable spot kick to send United to the break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half had a similar feel about it until a break away down the left flank left Doyle one on one with the goal keeper and he made no mistake to make it 2-0.
Not long after, a good passing move resulted in Tim Doyle making it 3-0. The fourth United goal was then added by Shea Wilcox who scored in a match for the first time ever. Some sloppy defending at the back gifted Wauchope a consolation goal late, with the final score being 4-1 to United.
This Saturday, the Football Mid North Coast Premier League will kick off with United hosting round one.
The Port outfit will take on Old Bar Barbarians at Dixie Park with the reserve grade match kicking off at 1.15pm before first grade at 3pm. All players, parents and spectators are invited along for what will be a good days football to kick off the season in the top flight competition.
