NORTH Coast Football (NCF) opened their preseason preparation with a trial match against National Premier League (NPL) rivals Mid-Coast on the new synthetic pitches at the Coffs Harbour Sport and Leisure Park last Saturday.

Although the rain poured down the football was unaffected and the supporters enjoyed the luxury of staying dry and undercover as they watched from the stands.

NCF Head of Coaching and Player Development Alex Nolan was delighted with the new venue.

“It was great to play our first pre-season games on the new synthetics.

“With plenty of rain falling throughout the week, having the synthetic pitches still allowed us to get some kilometres in the legs.

“Despite some great performances, winning wasn’t the goal for the games, with all NPL teams focused on improving our playing style for the season ahead.

“We want to have a clear playing style across our four NPL teams and there is no better way to improve than in a game against close NPL rivals Mid-Coast.

“Up next we host the Newcastle Jets Academy and the boys and girls are pumped to be tested against the best talent in Northern NSW,” said Alex.

Three matches were played on the synthetic pitches in a goal fest against their Mid-Coast rivals with 21 goals scored.

NCF won the 16s match 5-2, the 15s lost 4-2 and the 14s shared the spoils with an entertaining 4-4 draw.

The 16s team were unlucky to miss out on finals last year due to Covid restrictions and centre back Loki Marchant is optimistic for this year.

“Our team is pretty fit and we’re excited to do our preseason properly this year.

“I really think we’re in for a huge season.

“The synthetics are awesome to play on and we can’t wait to train on them too.

“Huge thanks to Council and everyone that built them, it’s definitely going to help us throughout the season, by being able to use them in any weather,” said Lachie.

NCF’s next match is against the Newcastle Jets Youth Academy where the North Coast’s players will be eager to impress former Dutch international Kew Jaliens, who is the head of both the Newcastle Jets and Northern New South Wales Football academies.

 

By David WIGLEY