Saturday’s opponents, Bellingen, being one of the ‘Premier League’ teams, was a welcomed test for the Strikers who were still buzzing from a first round victory.

Nambucca again started sharply, dominating field position and finding room in behind the hosts’ defence. Carly Smith opened the scoring after a solo run. Her first shot ricocheted off the keeper, providing her with a second opportunity, which she took neatly, chipping the goalie.

It was all red, white and blue in the early stages with hard work from Simone Jordan and Sam Walsh, in midfield, affording playmakers Amie Goswell and Emily Lane space to apply their trade. It was Walsh who set up the second goal with a superb through ball that found pacey Kyiesha Cohen flying down the right flank. Her first time shot was expertly dispatched and the Strikers were two to the good.

New signing, Anna Champion, made her debut for the club midway through the half to immediate effect. Her quality ball control and ability to hold off the defence allowed Smith to be played in for a crack on goal. Her dipping drive from 25 yards rattled the crossbar and she was unlucky not to have a first half brace.

Keily Chase was solid in goals and thwarted any attempt by Bellingen. Cheree Chapman and Melissa Urquhart led the defensive line well in the stifling heat while Brea Welsh was full of running down the right.

The Strikers went to the break 3-0 when Champion finished following a mazy run after some fantastic lead up play started by another debutant, Terri White.

It was a superb first half performance from the visitors with the score line being a true reflection of their dominance.

The second half started much like the first and it wasn’t long before another from Champion made it 4-0.

The Strikers seemed to be flying at this point and it felt like it would be a case of how many. But some momentary lapses in concentration invited Bellingen back into the match. Two quick goals by the hosts put the pressure on the Strikers. Bellingen took back the midfield and the Strikers appeared stretched in defence.

Wave after wave of attack came at the Strikers but for the most part they scrambled well. Chapman was inspirational in the last line and Jess White seemingly impassable.

Bellingen did find a third and set up a tense finish. Nambucca had some opportunities to kill off the contest but some tired finishes was all they could muster.

The Strikers held on for a 4-3 victory, a scoreline that probably flattered the home side.