A BATCH of homespun footballers have created a slice of history by winning their first-ever Newcastle Football Zone League 3 championship title.

Shaun Shelley’s courageous Nelson Bay FC first grade warriors are celebrating grand final glory after sinking the Garden Suburbs club 4-3 in a penalty shootout at Myers Park.

It is a significant milestone for the Bays club, which had never won a first grade trophy in its proud 50-year history.

Man of the moment was Nelson Bay’s skilful goalkeeper Mathew Guest, who pulled off three spectacular saves during a dramatic penalty shootout after both clubs were locked 1-all after extra time.

In a major accomplishment, the Bays also clinched the Men’s Zone League 3 Reserve Grade title to cap a memorable 2024 season.

Nelson Bay FC underlined its depth of junior and senior talent by figuring in twelve grand final appearances and capturing an impressive five championship trophies in the inter district and zone divisions.

“Winning our maiden first grade grand final is a magic feeling and a huge achievement by a special group of dedicated players,” proud coach Shaun Shelley told News Of The Area.

Shelley and triumphant reserve grade mentor Jakob Graham were making their coaching debut in the Zone Three League.

“My main objective this season was to build team depth and harness a positive family presence among the top grade ranks.

“All the players bought into the family culture and really hit their straps during the finals series.”

Nelson Bay qualified in fifth spot but showed their class, tenacity and composure to go all the way at the top grade level.

They defeated Barnsley Bulldogs 3-0 in an elimination final before toppling Kurri Kurri Roosters (3-0) and minor premiers Lambton Jaffas (3-2) to reach the trophy decider.

A sharp goal by Billy Brown gave Nelson Bay a 1-0 lead in the grand final before the Kingfishers equalised during the second stanza to take the match into an extra phase.

Experienced defender Scott Mooney struck the winning penalty goal to secure the historic title for the Port Stephens-based club.

In a superb team effort, coach Shelley lauded the performances of inspirational centre midfielder Joel Ingram, who took out the club’s Most Valuable Player.

Attacking midfielder Naran Singh received the Players’ Player trophy, while talented keeper Guest was praised for his grand final heroics.

Shelley, who has given 26 years of sterling service to the Nelson Bay club as a player, coach and official, also praised the strong leadership of Ingram and team skipper Lachlan Rowen.

“Our striker Nathan Willoughby bagged 24 goals for the season and gave us plenty of firepower up front.

“A major factor in the championship success was the depth of talent in our 35 man squad.

“We only had fourteen players return from the 2023 side but managed to assemble a very competitive outfit.

“We lost our key centre midfielder Dylan Baillache with a damaged hamstring for the season but all the players stepped up in the big end-of-season matches to re-write the record books.”

By Chris KARAS