NAMBUCCA Strikers defeated Boambee Eagles 2-1 to soar to the top of women’s division two.

Women’s coach Rhys Jones provided match insights from the dugout.

“The senior women’s team from Nambucca Strikers scored a huge win on Saturday with a titanic effort against a very experienced Boambee,” he said.

“We came out of the blocks firing, settled quickly into their game and started to drive forward in numbers to put the opposition under pressure, slick passing and driving runs forward started to open up some chances in the opposition goal.

“The Strikers’ lead came via a cracking header from ‘Golden Boot’ Sarah Mander into Sally Bell who thumped a pin-point header into the top corner.”

After the opener, the Nambucca side’s young midfield started to control the game through Jewelle Nelson, Lilly Woodward and Alex Habgood’s rigorous tackling and high work rate.

Boambee drew level after 30 minutes when uncharacteristic Nambucca indecision at the back allowed the opposition to capitalise and put the ball past a bewildered Strikers keeper.

“From a goal kick 40 metres out, Hope Leslie saw an opportunity and on the half volley drove the ball over the retreating Boambee keeper to put the Strikers 2-1 up,” Jones said.

“I threw the plan out the window in the last 20 minutes, I had put players into positions just to hold and defend a lead so I could bring on fresh players.

“However those players were dominating their opponents so any changes were out of the question.

”This result is huge for us, this is a result of a great team spirit and determination.

“This team constantly surprises me, there were fourteen players of the match in this game.”

The Strikers go into the next round top of the table.

By David WIGLEY