The Strikers have languished well short of expectation through the early and middle rounds, but have found their mojo of late with a late surge for a play-off berth.

Yet it was the unfancied hosts at the picturesque country ground who shocked the heavyweights with an early score to go one-up.

But Nambucca made a statement of intent seconds later when Ryan Flack danced and dazzled his way into the box to nudge home the equaliser.

The Strikers lifted and went to the break 2-1, and added a third shortly after the air had a whiff of pending rout about it.

But a lack of composure at the back saw the Dingoes add a second and it was game on with it all to play for as a draw or a loss would have seen the Strikers having the maddest of Mondays.

The Nambucca lads held on during a tense end to end final five minutes and will once again, feature in the big games.

Enjoy the gallery and see full report in this week’s Guardian.