Wallis Lake striker Beau Wynter was the first to find the back of the net to put South up 1-0 at half-time. 

That’s when their stocks began to tumble.

The side was reduced to 10 after Roan Whiteman received a red card and Jordan Howard limped off through injury.

North leveled the score with 10 minutes left of regular time.

South goalkeeper Curtis Jones saved a penalty attempt to send the game to a shootout.

South closed out the game, winning the shootout 3-1.

South coach Rod Bartley said Jones was a standout for the side. 

“He had a really good game in goals, saving four out of five attempts.”

Rod said although the players had settled into the off-season, they were determined to get the result.

“They were a bit unfit but still put in a big effort,” Rod said.

“It’s great to win the first one, the guys are really happy and I applaud them for their effort.”

Rod said the game was a unique opportunity for players to spark combinations with regular season opponents.

“It’s good camaraderie for players who are used to playing against each other,” Rod said. 

“It gives them a chance to play at a different level and brings in all the best players in the Premier League competition.”

Rod said the fixture has its place in the season but deciding a permanent spot is next on the agenda.

“Football Mid North Coast have got it right,” Rod said.

The sides will meet again next year with a date to be confirmed.

The match was a part of a double header with the Mid North Coast-Newcastle Jets W-League encounter. 

In what has become an annual fixture, North and South will take on the Newcastle Jets in a pre-season friendly next year at Port Macquarie. 

Meanwhile, National Premier League under 13s and 14s will take to the Zone Field next Monday for trials.

The first trial at Port Macquarie was called off due to wet weather.

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