THE Nambucca Strikers went down 6-0 to league leaders Northern Storm last weekend at Coronation Park.

The Strikers matched the high-flying Storm in the first half as coach Ricky Welsh reflected.

“With a little change in formation and blooding of another Striker junior to senior football in Leo Woodward, there was a real excitement surrounding the team,” he said.

“Like most games this season the Strikers started out the dominant team, really pressing hard and making inroads through the Storm defence.

“Ball to feet passing enabled a nice through ball to Arthur Gill having a clear run only to put the ball over the crossbar.

“Riding the wave of confidence through the first half the Strikers kept charging forward, giving the Storm keeper plenty of work which he was always up to.

“Late in the half a smooth play from the Storm and defensive lapse from the Strikers saw an easy tap-in goal for the Storm, taking the lead 0-1 at halftime,” Welsh said.

After a stoic first half, the floodgates opened in the second half.

“Coming out of half time the Storm showed some real muscle and intensity that the Strikers couldn’t hold.

“The Storm started to really hit their straps and showed why they are a dominant team, with clean ball movement and some power shots on goals that the Strikers couldn’t match and eventually ran out winners 0-6, with the score not reflecting how the game was played.

“Real credit goes to the Strikers for their commitment throughout the game, giving the Storm a real challenge and not giving up.

“Stand out players for the Strikers were Ashton Herbert, Arthur Gill, and on debut, Leo Woodward,” Welsh said.

By David WIGLEY