Having already met in a pre-season friendly and in the Challenge Cup, this would be the first real test in competition conditions.

Blistering heat limited both teams’ warm-ups but the opening exchanges were at a scorching pace.

Barely a minute into the match, Nambucca were awarded a penalty after a Macksville handball in the box. Amie Goswell stepped up and dispatched the spot kick with perfection, giving the Macksville custodian no chance as she expertly placed it up where the spiders live.

The first 15 minutes were relentless from both teams. Nambucca pressed at speed, led by Zara Pastega and Carly Smith up front. Emily Lane worked tirelessly in midfield and was assisted down the flanks by lung-busting runs from Kyiesha Cohen and Ella Lewis.

Despite going behind so early, Macksville fought hard to get back into the match. Lilly Borg and Johanna Walsh were menacing in attack, running at the defence with confidence. Laura Piesley was in everything and it wasn’t long before they equalised.

The Strikers took the lead once more after a quality cross from Kyiesha Cohen found Goswell unmarked on the edge of the box, her first time volley caught the Stingers keeper off guard and she could only watch as it hit the back of the net.

The latter part of the first half saw a shift in momentum as Macksville attacked and were almost camped on the Strikers 18-yard line. Stand-in goal keeper, Brea Welsh, was inspired in goals keeping Macksville at bay with some superb, finger-tip saves.

Due to the heat, both teams continued to utilise their benches in the second half, making the most of ‘fresher’ legs when they could. Paige Kinnear made an impact on the right for the Stingers, but was kept honest by young Striker, Luwarna Cohen. Simone Jordan chased everything in midfield, while Candice Marsh and Keily Chase came on to great effect throughout the match.

As the game drew to a close, both sides stepped up their intensity level. Macksville searched for an equaliser while Nambucca defended with all their might. Melissa Urquhart and Nadine Chapman were solid in centre defence and were more than ably supported by Jessica White and Cheree Chapman.

Kyiesha Cohen had a chance to consolidate the win for the Strikers, when she was through on goal and one-on-one with the keeper – her shot beat the advancing goalie but drifted agonisingly wide.

Seconds later, Walsh almost snatched a dramatic equaliser but saw her shot sail over the cross bar from point blank range.

A fantastic performance from both teams in a tense and physical battle. The healthy crowd appreciative of the spectacle, especially given the conditions.

This week the Nambucca Strikers face Sawtell at Toormina, while the Macksville Stingers host Orara, both games at 1pm.