Narrabri FC ready for finals as Crossroads bow out

Narrabri FC has finished the regular season in the best way possible, but the season is far from over.

After defeating local rivals Crossroads Elevens FC 5-0 to lift the David Jenkins Memorial Cup, Narrabri FC is set to host its third consecutive qualifying final.

FC will take on Moree Services Club FC One at Hogan Oval this Saturday to book a place in the grand final.

Not only would Narrabri qualify for the big game if it is successful against Moree One, but it would also host a third grand final in as many years.

Cup winners: Narrabri FC coach Neil Brayshaw, captain and goalkeeper Zaac Brayshaw and Narrabri FC president and manager Steve Lubke holding the David Jenkins Memorial Cup after defeating Crossroads Elevens FC 5-0. Cup winners: Narrabri FC coach Neil Brayshaw, captain and goalkeeper Zaac Brayshaw and Narrabri FC president and manager Steve Lubke holding the David Jenkins Memorial Cup after defeating Crossroads Elevens FC 5-0.

Crossroads Elevens FC: back, Leo Kolmajer, Cody Shepherdson, Chloe Myers, Kaleb Teer, Tim Hayne, Brad Cornall, Leon Ryman, Brianna Strickland, Amy Larsen, third row, Liam Emerton, Josh Boyd, Tim Gale, Brent and Rily Longworth, second row, Lennon and Chris Simmonds, Ayden Hunter, Clariese Ryman, Shena Newman, front, Marlin Ryman and Jakeb Nipperess. Crossroads Elevens FC: back, Leo Kolmajer, Cody Shepherdson, Chloe Myers, Kaleb Teer, Tim Hayne, Brad Cornall, Leon Ryman, Brianna Strickland, Amy Larsen, third row, Liam Emerton, Josh Boyd, Tim Gale, Brent and Rily Longworth, second row, Lennon and Chris Simmonds, Ayden Hunter, Clariese Ryman, Shena Newman, front, Marlin Ryman and Jakeb Nipperess.

FC’s run of form has been spectacular over the past three seasons but the side is yet to win the grand final despite finishing minor premiers each year.

However, Narrabri FC’s 5-0 derby win over Crossroads Elevens FC showed the maturity the side has built during the current season.

Crossroads held FC out for the majority of the first half but the minor premiers did not become frustrated.

The Elevens played with a new-look backline which held together despite the constant pressure from their rivals.

Crossroads’ goalkeeper Jakeb Nipperess stood tall when he was most needed, making three crucial saves early on in the match.

Narrabri then had two goals ruled out for offside in the first half, the second of which was extremely tight.

But in the 35th minute FC’s domination finally paid off when the combination of Cooper and Jake Brayshaw caught the Elevens napping.

Cooper played a great ball between a gap in the Crossroads’ defence which found brother Jake, who steamed onto the ball and made no mistake, punishing the tiring defence.

Crossroads held strong for the remaining 10 minutes and almost had an equaliser through Chris Simmonds.

Simmonds smashed a rolling ball from long distance and the ball whistled through the air but was too straight, rocketing into the hands of Narrabri FC captain and goalkeeper Zaac Brayshaw.

The first half of the Narrabri derby finished with Narrabri FC disappointed they had not been able to score more than one goal and Crossroads Elevens FC content with their style of play with a fresh-look line-up.

But it was the second-half that the minor premiers truly showed their strength.

Narrabri FC dominated from the outset of the second half and put four goals past the stubborn Crossroads’ backline.

Five minutes into the second half Narrabri FC struck through Jacob Sunderland who doubled the minor premiers’ lead.

Ten minutes later it was Mitch Wood that was able to put his side up 3-0 with 30 minutes left to play.

Jake Brayshaw scored his second of the match shortly after to secure a four-goal lead over their rivals.

Crossroads attempted a comeback late but after the side had a penalty appeal waved away by the referee in the 68th minute, the Elevens had no genuine chance to claw back into the contest.

Instead it was Narrabri FC which had the last significant moment in the match when Zac Lauritsen scored to secure a 5-nil win over the Elevens.

Wee Waa United FC moved its home match against Moree One to Hogan Oval and played after the Narrabri derby.

Wee Waa kept Narrabri FC’s
qualifying final opponents scoreless in the contest but United could not break the deadlock either.

The two sides finished the contest how they began locked in a nil-all draw.

The point was insignificant to both sides which had secured their places in the finals series. Wee Waa will host Moree Services Club FC Two next weekend in the elimination final.

The winner of that match will play the loser of the first qualifying final.

The winner of that preliminary final will play in the grand final.

Narrabri FC now looks towards Saturday and Moree One as it aims to secure its third consecutive home grand final.

Crossroads Elevens FC finishes the 2019 competition a significantly improved side and will be looking to be a real threat come the 2020 Namoi Soccer League season.