THE NAMBUCCA Strikers went into Saturday’s North Coast Football men’s third division clash with Boambee knowing that a win would consolidate second place on the ladder.
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The Strikers started with a burst of enthusiasm and were on top early as Boambee Bombers could only field nine players.
By contrast, Nambucca had personnel in spades and most of the possession but couldn’t net the ball – so frustrating, and so close. Many chances went just wide or the keeper got a touch, and Boambee took their only two chances in Nambucca’s half, to claw two back.
Nambuuca were 5-2 up at half time, and looking the goods, in stages, adding two more scores in the second half to win the fixture convincingly, 7-2.
Getting on the scoresheet for Nambucca after 20 minutes was Dave Marchant, who claimed the first. This was followed by ‘Big Ben’ who chimed in for his goal, and then Jason Forbes slotted one through the crowd.
Boambee hit back via a penalty, then a nicely chipped goal over keeper Corey Forbes had them back in the wrestle, trailing 2-3.
But Nambucca kicked up a gear with numerous raids from Harry Ide. Kippa Herring got into perfect position to knock one in from Jason’s pinpoint cross. Cameron Molloy bagged the 5th before half time as he pushed forward from out of the defence and Blake McNeil’s mazy runs from the back cut Boambee in two and they had no answer, as the Strikers rolled over the top of them only to go agonisingly wide, on too many occasions.
Nambucca could've had 20 on the board. Eventually, Dave Marchant smacked two goals from distance to grab himself a hat-trick – well deserved for his efforts in linking up out through the Strikers defence.
On Saturday the Strikers go up against the top of the heap, Woopi, at High St, in what shapes as an acid test.
Men’s 2nd division draw this weekend:
Bellingen at home to Coffs Coast United Lions; Corindi Breakers at home to Nambucca Strikers; Sawtell Scorpions at home to Boambee Bombers. All matches 3pm start. Coffs Coast Tigers have the bye.
Women’s 2nd division:
Woolgoolga Wildcats host Boambee Eagles 2; Nambucca Strikers host Bellingen Victory; Urunga Raiders 2 host Sawtell Scorpions. All matches 1pm start. Macksville Stingers have the bye.