IT is double delight for North Coast Football as their Under 15s claimed victory in the Premier Youth League (PYL) Cup Final, while the Under 13s triumphed in the Plate Cup Final held in Newcastle last Sunday.

In the Under 15s final, Valentine initially took the lead, but North Coast made a comeback with Will Eames equalising the score.

With the game tied at 1-1 after regular time, it was decided by a penalty shootout.

The standout performance came from North Coast’s goalkeeper, Henri Creaser from Bowraville, who stood tall, saving three crucial penalties.

This heroics secured a 3-2 victory, sending players, coaches, and parents into a euphoric celebration.

The victory was even sweeter considering their loss to Maitland FC in the Grand Final just a week earlier.

Wrapping up the season with a significant trophy was the perfect tonic for coach Phil McMullen, following the disappointment of the previous week.

“After the disappointment of last week the Under 15s had to travel back to Newcastle for the Youth League Cup Final,” he said.

“On a very hot Sunday the kick off was moved to 10 am making it a very early start.

“Valentine scored first after a defensive lapse in the NCF defence but NCF struck back before halftime to level the scores.

“The second half was a very tight battle and the score remained 1-1 at full time.

“No extra time was played and the game went into a penalty shootout.

“Today was NCF’s day thanks to the heroics of Henri Creaser, the NCF goalkeeper who saved three of Valentine’s penalties.

“NCF 3-2 Winners, the end to an amazing season,” McMullen said.

In a double celebration for NCF, the Under 13s wrapped up their season on a high note by defeating Charlestown Azzurri 5-2 in the Plate Cup Final.

Raman Dalaf contributed two goals, while Taj Gray added another two, and Jasper Hein sealed the victory with a goal.

This win was a fine way to end the season for the team in their first year of representative football.

By David WIGLEY