Match of the Round
Armidale City Westside FC 0-2 Port United FC
Harris Park, Saturday 10 May 3pm
Port United FC coach Glen Morris says they have had the perfect start to the NNSW RSL competition after they scored a 2-0 victory over Armidale City Westside in the opening round at Harris Park on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors took little time to get themselves on the score sheet after Riley Taylor made the most of a spill from goalkeeper Jamie Langenbaker in the 11th minute.
Armidale thought they had cleared the ball from a Port United attacking effort back to Langenbaker but the shot-stopper spilled the ball into the path of Taylor, who sliced the ball into the back of the net.
Port United took that 1-0 lead into the half-time break, determined to start their NNSW RSL campaign with all three points.
Taylor doubled his side’s lead in the 52nd minute after Port made the most of a strong counterattack.
Edoardo Castro Wade passed the ball back onto the run of Taylor, who struck the ball with power from outside the penalty area and it bounced into the bottom corner of the goal.
Armidale continued to push to get back into the contest but was unable to capitalise on their opportunities as the score remained 2-0 at the full-time whistle.
Morris was thrilled with his side’s ability to grind out a result in round one away from home.
“My boys played really well in really tough conditions. It was pretty cold for us coasties, with the wind and rain added into the mix. The opposition was also really tough,” Morris said.
“We gave all heart. Our boys wanted to win big time and knew that they had a job to do which they did for each other.
“The communication was massive from our boys, they spoke really well. Also our passing was on point.
“I was very impressed with it all, especially since we haven’t had as much preparation as I would have liked.
“It was amazing to get the win. It is the best way to start the competition as we know we will come up against some really hard teams.
“It is the perfect start for us and gives us massive confidence.
“Armidale City Westside was amazing on and off the field. They gave their all on the field and were incredibly nice and welcoming. I can’t speak highly enough for that team and club.”
Armidale City Westside co-coach Steve Gray was disappointed with the result but praised his side for their efforts.
“Port United were amazing. They showed up ready to play and brought the game to us. All credit to them, they are an outstanding group,” Gray said.
“Overall it was a good performance with a couple of key moments that let us down. It was something that we could build on.
“It is always an unknown coming up against a coastal team but it has let us know where we stand and what we can improve on.
“From a club perspective, it was an honour and a pleasure to host the round one matches.”
Armidale City Westside will hope to bounce back when they travel north to Korora Oval to take on Northern Storm FC on June 28.
Port United will be determined to continue their momentum when they return to the mid north coast for the Port derby against Port Saints FC at Findlay Park on June 7.
Inverell FC 2-1 Woolgoolga United FC
Inverell Sporting Complex, Saturday 10 May 3pm
Inverell FC coach Damien Schutz said his side gave 100 per cent in their 2-1 win over Woolgoolga United FC at Inverell Sporting Complex on Saturday.
Two first-half goals were enough for Inverell to secure all three points and kick their NNSW RSL campaign with a bang.
The home side opened the scoring in the 40th minute when Sam Byrne struck the back of the net.
Paul Leo doubled Inverell’s advantage two minutes later to give them a 2-0 lead at the half-time break.
Woolgoolga United clawed their way back into the contest when Fraser Duryea hit the back of the net in the 77th minute.
But despite their best efforts, Woolgoolga were unable to level the score and returned home empty-handed.
Schultz was impressed with his side’s efforts for the full 90 minutes of the match to grind out a win and secure all three points.
“They played well. We went out there with a game plan and stuck to it. The boys played right until the final whistle,” Schultz said.
“We went into the game pretty confident. We are always a pretty strong team and we knew our capabilities.
“The win is massive for the club.
“The team showed their class. I can’t single out anyone because they all gave 100 per cent.”
Inverell will hope to keep the good times rolling when they travel to Rangers Park on Saturday June 7 to face Macleay Valley Rangers in round two.
Woolgoolga will continue to search for their first win when they face Urunga FC away from home in round two on Saturday June 7.
Urunga FC v Macleay Valley Rangers FC
Urunga Recreational Reserve, Saturday 31 May 3pm
This match is to be played on Saturday 31 May.
Port Saints FC v Northern Storm FC
Findlay Park, Saturday 31 May 3pm
This match is to be played on Saturday 31 May.
