Narrabri FC continues momentum

Narrabri FC has continued its undefeated streak by defeating an under-strength Wee Waa United FC side 3-nil at Hogan Oval on Saturday.

The sides were locked at 0-all for most of the first half as Wee Waa’s defence held strong and Narrabri FC continued to pressure the visitors with a multitude of chances.

But deep into the first half the home side struck as an incredible sequence between Cooper Brayshaw and Blake Jarrett shattered the deadlock and sent Narrabri FC into half-time with a 1-nil lead.

The travelling side continued to defy FC in the second half until a deflected free-kick caused United havoc, allowing Jake Brayshaw to double his side’s lead.

With 10 minutes remaining Narrabri launched the ball forward from the back which became awkward for Wee Waa goalkeeper Steve Phelps and Colby Williams pounced on the opportunity, heading the ball past an out-rushing Phelps.

The score remained 3-nil for the remainder of the contest with the home side extending its impressive undefeated season with just one match remaining.

In the other Namoi Soccer League contest, Moree Services Club FC One took on Moree Services Club FC Two in the Moree derby.

Moree One won that match 2-1 which saw it secure second place on the Namoi Soccer League ladder.

The match between Narrabri FC and Wee Waa United saw United on the back foot early allowing Narrabri to maintain an increasing amount of possession.

The hosts had most of the first-half chances but Wee Waa captain Steve Phelps was ready for the challenge, making several crucial saves in the opening half.

The first chance came from Jarrett in the ninth minute but Phelps had strong enough hands to parry the shot away.

Jarrett had another chance three minutes later but his effort from just outside the 18-yard box struck the crossbar.

Wee Waa frustrated Narrabri to the point that centre-back Nathan Trindall was forced into a run up-field and attempt a shot from 35 yards out but it was easily caught by the experienced Phelps.

The visitors held FC out for 39 minutes but a magnificent dual effort from Cooper Brayshaw and Jarrett broke the deadlock.

Brayshaw played the ball to Jarrett, who opened up his body before threading a well-weighted pass through into the path of the on-rushing Brayshaw.

The midfielder then played a first-time back-heel pass and found Jarrett who made no mistake with his shot, sending the ball across Phelps and into the bottom-left corner.

United could not do anything but watch as the two experienced players carved through Wee Waa’s stubborn defence.

The goal was the last genuine chance of the half with the Narrabri team heading into the break with a one-goal advantage.

The half-time team talk sparked the visitors into action as three minutes in, Wee Waa’s Matt Hamblin almost put the hosts back on level terms but his shot was not strong enough to beat Narrabri keeper Zaac Brayshaw.

FC eventually found its second goal of the contest when Jarrett’s free kick bounced just before Phelps who pushed the ball away from his goal.

The ball found Narrabri’s Jake Brayshaw who could not miss from only three yards out.

Wee Waa found itself down 2-nil when Chris Johnson had a genuine chance to pull the visitors back into the game but his shot was too close to FC’s shot-stopper who denied Johnson.

Narrabri should have had its third of the contest as Jarrett and Cooper Brayshaw combined again but the midfielder could not put the ball past the safe hands of Phelps.

However FC would not be denied in the 80th minute when a long ball from the home side’s back-line allowed Williams to show his pace.

Phelps had no choice but to run out to the ball as the winger sprinted towards goal.

As the ball bounced up Williams was able to get the first touch, heading the ball past the out-rushing Phelps and into the goal.

The goal was the last chance of the half for both sides as Narrabri took a 3-nil win and remained undefeated with one match remaining.

The team has continued to play with great intensity.

With the loss against FC, Wee Waa has now been cemented in third spot and will host the elimination final against Moree Two in two weeks.

United’s final match of the regular season will be against Moree One, and Narrabri FC will take on local rivals Crossroads Elevens FC in round 20 of the Namoi Soccer League season.

Those matches are scheduled to be played at Hogan Oval this weekend in a double header.

The Narrabri derby is a special match as the teams will battle it out for the David Jenkins memorial cup.

Crossroads Elevens are unable to make the finals so the match will be the side’s chance at ending the season on a high.

Narrabri FC will look to finish its season undefeated which is no easy task and will complete a sensational year.