EAGER to return to the pitch, the Nambucca Strikers men embarked on a journey to Bellingen, only to face a challenging 7-1 defeat.

With just eleven players listed on the team sheet, the Strikers launched into the match with determination, quickly seizing the lead and even earning a penalty opportunity, which unfortunately was missed.

“As the game got underway it was the Strikers who gained early field position and mounted pressure onto the Bellingen goalkeeper, giving him plenty to think about,” Nambucca Strikers president Ricky Welsh said.

“All the pressure and running from the Strikers forced Bellingen’s defence into a wild challenge in the box with Ben Mander charging onto a great through ball and fouled.

“unfortunately the Strikers were not able to convert the opportunity.”

However, as the game progressed, the strain of limited resources became evident.

“As the game went on Bellingen were able to settle into a rhythm and the Strikers started to get fatigued.

“Bellingen created plenty of chances, putting three in the back of the net in the first half.”

Things got harder in the second half when the Strikers went down to nine men after injuries.

It was all one-way traffic from that point, with Bellingen scoring four second half goals.

“Credit to the Strikers who, with only nine players, were able to mount a late second half charge, getting one goal back with new recruit Manuel Machedo opening his account with his new club,” Welsh said.

“It could have been two after Adam Ward got some room to move before placing one to the top corner, only for the Bellingen goalkeeper’s fingertip to save.”

It is onward and upward for the Nambucca side, quite literally, as the Strikers head up the mountain to take on the Dorrigo Highlanders in their next match.

As female football continues to flourish, the Nambucca Strikers under 12 girls opened their account with a 2-0 victory over Boambee.

“With the start of school holidays the Strikers were a little light on numbers with only nine players but that didn’t phase the girls,” Welsh said.

The Strikers started the game full of running and had the Boambee defence under pressure early on.

“The Strikers midfield of Piper Daley, Emily Coxton and Krissa Smith were able to win the ball, stopping any chance of Boambee building attacking raids, feeding the ball up to striker Mia Chapman.

“A quick keeper change brought Sophia Welsh into the field with immediate impact, pouncing on a loose ball and taking it all the way down field, firing it in the back of the net to open the Strikers’ scoring.”

Shortly after, the Strikers scored a second goal.

“A great passing move saw Sky Parker put a great crossing ball through to Mia Chapman to tap in.

“Half time saw Strikers holding the lead 2-0.

“Defenders Milla Field, Bella Weaver, Naikya Taylor-Duffus were called upon to shut down the attack multiple times, and send the ball back through to the midfield and strikers,” concluded Welsh.

By David WIGLEY