THE NAMBUCCA Strikers travelled to Corindi at the weekend to take on the Breakers in the penultimate game of the regular North Coast Football men’s second division. Sitting just outside the top four, the Strikers knew they must not walk away empty handed.
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The visitors took time in getting accustomed to the conditions. The bumpy pitch made it difficult for the Strikers to keep the ball on the deck and settle into their passing game. When they did settle, they began to threaten.
After a good build up, a quick throw from Andy Cannon released Ryan Flack into the box. With some sharp footwork, he turned his defender inside out and slotted past the keeper for the opener.
On the half-hour mark, a deep free kick from John Fyfe elluded everyone in the box and bounced off the keeper’s legs before he knew anything about it. Daniel ‘Peppi’ Peyre pounced on the scraps and doubled the lead for the Strikers.
The remainder of the first half saw Nambucca in control. Flack was unlucky not to score again after an incisive run at the heart of the defence ended with a blistering drive that cannoned off the crossbar.
Demson Manafi and Shawn Snowden were playing superbly on the flanks and troubled the Breakers with smart attacking runs and determined defending. Brad Wilkes and Dan Flack kept things tight at the back with goalkeeper, Corey Forbes, seeing only one shot on goal all half.
The second half was more physical as Corindi tried to work their way back into the match. Midfielders Daniel Stoermer and Andy Cannon worked tirelessly to hold any attack at bay, while offering creativity and link up play during attacking raids.
The third goal came after a spell of sublime passing and interplay. Fyfe laid the ball in to Peppi, who then laid it out wide to Demson. Dem then squared back inside to Flack, who turned and finished across the face of the goals past the hapless keeper for his second.
Cameron Molloy came on late and was unlucky not to score the team’s fourth. But 3-0 it finished and three vital points for the Strikers.
With one match remaining, away to Orara on Saturday, they must win and hope the team above them drop points. It will be a tough away match for the Strikers aiming to make the finals for the fourth consecutive year. But they must take no notice of the ladder and play hard for the points. All spectators are encouraged to make the trip to Dairyville Rd, Upper Orara to support the lads. Kick-off at 3pm.