In one of the many anomalies of the NCF season, this was the second time this fixture was hosted by Bellingen without reciprocation. The Strikers claimed a victory last time and were hoping for a repeat result on their return visit. A victory for the visitors would go a long way to securing a top four position.

On a bouncy pitch, the Strikers struggled to control the ball. Their passing game was off during the initial exchanges and Bellingen dominated the early possessions statistics.

Having lost a key midfielder for the remainder of the season, Nambucca were forced into another restructure across the centre of the park.

Simone Jordan was at her tenacious best, while Anna Champion dropped back from her forward role to offer additional assistance to playmaker Amie Goswell. The first 20 minutes was a scrappy affair with no notable attempts on goal from either side.

As the half wore on, Nambucca worked their way into the match. Again, the Strikers defence was strong and rarely tested. Sam Walsh dropped into the sweeper role at times to allow Cheree Chapman to progress in to midfield as the visitors strived for the opening goal.

Nambucca were ‘unlucky’ not to have been awarded a penalty late on in the half, when Champion was clattered in the area after getting the last touch. But at the break it was a stalemate at 0-0.

The half-time break was well received by both teams after a torrid first 45 in unseasonal heat.

The second half was more of the same for the Strikers. Charlotte Williams showed a hunger to score and began to link well with her striker partner, Champion. Zara Pastega was drawn more into the match and began making in-roads down the flank with positive play coming from right back Jessica White and Brea Welsh on the left. Melissa Urquhart was solid in the stopper role.

Try as they might, the Strikers couldn’t find the back of the net and the frustration began to build.

Williams and Anna were desperately unlucky not to bag a late winner after a goal-mouth scramble could only result in a corner after Bellingen threw themselves in front of a rapid succession of goal-bound shots.

To consolidate the pain of the near miss, Bellingen then found their own winner in the dying minutes. After being awarded a dubious corner, they converted from close range, much to their delight and to the heartache of the Strikers.

With other results elsewhere going favourably for the Nambucca girls, they remain in fourth position on the ladder … for now.

This week they host Boambee 1 in their last match of the regular season with a win consolidating their top four finish. Boambee are undefeated this season and have amassed a positive goal difference of 140. It will be a tall order for the ladies but given their potential and ability, not beyond them.

Being the last regular home fixture for the season the club is dedicating the match to honour girls in football. With the high-flying Matildas setting the world alight and with the increase in all-girls teams across many age divisions on the North Coast, the club is asking all junior Strikers girls and supporters to come along to show their support in recognition of what has been a stellar season for the local ladies and women’s football in general.

The club is also asking for donations of cash or women’s hygiene products for struggling female farmers. These items can be donated at the grounds.

Kick-off is 1pm Saturday at Coronation Park.

The tractor got wet then the golf buggy followed

Beer, wine and food fair at Nambucca