IT WAS a 'meh' kinda day at Nambucca Heads this afternoon, as the Strikers got their frustration on, before regathering, against Coffs Coast Lions in a North Coast Football men's 3rd division fixture.
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The hosts at Coronation Park opened brightly enough but like the gathering rain cloud, they soon lost the plot.
The enterprising, mercury quick and skilled Lions were slicing and dicing through the middle - and 10 minutes in, they got their entree.
They added another five minutes later, and the Strikers for the most part were 'triggered' - channeling their energies at the officiating instead of just sucking it up and getting on with park football.
Somehow, amid all the mutterings, exhortations, and finger pointing - the score was just 2-nil at the break.
Serenity was imposed by wiser heads at the half-time huddle. Use the force for good.
The chill pill worked. Nambucca found rhythm, and pressed hard on the Coffs' goal. Opportunity knocked, only for errant finishing failing to realise.
Then came the Vader blow, as Coffs, on a rare incursion, made it three to the good and from that point there was no Nambucca empire striking back.
But the hosts got on the sheet, as Harley Parker goaled, and custodian Ken Baldwin - who had a treasured game between the posts - further lifted spirits when he saved a Coffs dottie.
The Lions won 4-1 and deserved the three points, but there was plenty to like in the Strikers effort despite the early meltdown - Blake Ryan had one of his best games in the white, red and blue, Oliver Walsh was as ever terrier-like, and Arthur Angus-Hill was measured and classy on the right flank.
Enjoy the gallery.