IT was a painful post-match interview for Nambucca Strikers coach Rhys Jones after watching his team go down 1-0 to the Boambee Eagles.

The loss means fifth-placed Strikers are four points adrift of fourth-placed Urunga Raiders as their hopes of finals football took a major setback.

The Strikers started brightly in front of their home crowd at Coronation park and had the lion’s share of possession in the first half.

“The Strikers’ dominance grew as the first half progressed, the midfield commanding the game and opening up many opportunities on goal,” said Rhys.

“Halftime saw the strikers still unable to score though three or four great chances were created.”

But as the game wore on, the momentum swung in favour of the Eagles.

“The second half was a different story, Boambee started on the attack finding gaps in midfield and dominating the attacking third of the field.

“Marking started to drop off for Nambucca and dominance was shifting towards the visitors, defence held still as Boambee attacked corner after corner and hammered the Nambucca penalty area.

“The back four of Nambucca fought hard, Keeper Cooke Jones made save after save, constantly diving at the feet of the coming Boambee players.

“Strikers defence finally gave half a chance to Boambee in the 80th minute, when a quick ball played across the penalty box found a free eagles player who put away the chance.”

The Strikers will be seeking to rekindle their hopes of finals football on Saturday, when they play the Sawtell Scorpions at Toormina.

By David WIGLEY