THE Northern Storm spoiled Coffs City United’s 100 percent winning run in the Coastal Premier League with a hard fought 1-1 draw at Korora last Saturday.

Storm coach Eric MCarthy was pleased with how his team went toe to toe with the stand-out team of the competition this year.

“Very happy to get a point from the league leaders,” he said.

“It was a much improved performance after the embarrassment of last week’s loss to Port United.

“Coffs are such a slick outfit, the lads should be happy to have matched them on Saturday.

“We’ve a home game next week against Sawtell, last time out we didn’t give a good account of ourselves at Toormina so hopefully the lads are focused, ready and going to show what they are capable of.

“If we can bring consistency of capability in the next run of games, hopefully we can make a late dash to a finals spot,” said Eric.

After another downpour during the week it was looking like the match wouldn’t go ahead after Mclean Street was declared closed.

However, the fixture was moved to Korora at late notice which Coffs City United coach Glen Williams was grateful for.

“Thank you to storm for the venue switch, Mclean Street was not playable at all,” he said.

The Northern Storm started with discipline, closing down the space and depriving the high-flying Lions of their free flowing passing game.

“I knew it would be another tough match at the Storm, we never get an inch playing the northern beachers,” said Williams.

“The game started at a slow pace where we created several chances but did not capitalise.

“Our goal was a scrappy one scored by Azad Qasim in the first half.

“The first half was disappointing from my point of view, through both effort and intensity.

“The second half was no better and as the Storm started to create more and they got behind our defence and scored an equaliser, and that’s how the scores stayed.

“Storm’s effort was outstanding and they kept sniffing out our chances.

“We were missing three first graders but that is no excuse, we need to be better than that, I would like to say more however it would not be appropriate for print,” he laughed.

Coffs United travel to Port Macquarie to play Port United on Saturday 16 July who are fighting for a top four finish with Williams all too aware Port will be gunning for the Lions.

“This week’s challenge versus Port United will be another tough game, and I am assured if we bring another effort like last week we will be punished,” concluded Williams.

Northern Storm will host cross-town rivals Sawtell FC in what could be deemed as a six pointer at Korora Oval on Saturday 16 July at 2:30pm.

By David WIGLEY