THE Coffs United Lions roared into round six of the Australia Cup following a 4-1 win over Coastal Premier League rivals Port Saints last Thursday at the Coffs Football Centre.

Flying winger Lorenzo Rigoni continued his hot form and made a breakthrough after ten minutes when a mistimed sliding tackle from a Sant’s defender resulted in a penalty, which Rigoni converted.

The Lions celebrations were short lived when two minutes later the Saints were awarded a penalty which Lions goalkeeper Will Goodwin spectacularly saved to maintain their lead.

The Saints came out flying in the second half with a stunning strike from Huon Lickley for the equaliser.

As the match wore on, the Lions exploited the gaps with their fast transitional play with Rigoni adding a second.

Blake Townsend scored two stunning goals, the first to the bottom right and second in the top left corner which sealed the victory and a place in round 6.

Lions coach Glen Williams said the match was a lot closer than the scoreline suggested.

“It was a tough battle out there, Port came here with a plan that I was prepared for, we got a goal early on and we just sort of sat back and let them come at us.

“A defensive mistake could have turned into a goal and then you are under the pump.

“Once we conceded that goal we just stuck to our game plan and came away with a couple more goals.

“We haven’t put the same team on the pitch for the last four games, so I’m stoked with that, showing that we have got some depth and that we can fight our way through a game.

“We’ve been to Newcastle a couple of times for the round of 64, but the draw now means that we could have a home tie and play a team here from Newcastle so that’s exciting.

“The chance of playing a team here in front of our home fans is exciting, so yeah let’s hope we get a home game,” said Glen.

 

By David WIGLEY