Narrabri Elevens FC is through to the Namoi Soccer League grand final for the first time where it will face Narrabri Sporties FC in a local derby.
The Elevens defeated Wee Waa United FC in Saturday’s preliminary final at Hogan Oval to qualify for this Saturday’s match.
A Riley Jenkins goal in the 71st minute was the difference between the second and third placed sides.
Jenkins ran onto a pass five metres out from the 18-yard box and about seven metres in from the right sideline. As the ball rolled towards him he curled a shot over Wee Waa goalkeeper Steve Phelps and into the top left corner.
While Jenkins netted the winner with his 11th goal in four games, the star of the show was at the other end of the field.
Elevens goalkeeper Jakeb Nipperess was called upon to make crucial saves several times throughout the match and time and time again he rose to the occasion.
He also stood tall to collect corners and crosses, and rushed out to cut off through balls in what was a standout performance.
The entire Elevens FC team defended well against a Wee Waa side which possessed an abundance of pace and attacking threats, and actually beat the Narrabri side 9-0 the last time they met at Hogan Oval.
Chances were few and far between for the home side in the preliminary final but one goal was all it needed as it kept its first clean sheet of the season.
Elevens FC player/co-coach Chris Simmonds said that he was proud of his team’s resilience throughout the match.
“We were a bit flat in patches and our attack wasn’t really there but the aim of that game was obviously to win and we got the job done,” Simmonds said.
“I’m very proud of the way we defended, everyone really stepped up.
“We’ve come a fair way this season.
“It was good to see a nil-all score at half-time.
“Usually what happens with us is we do a lot of defending and don’t get a lot of time up the front and the boys sort of put their heads down and teams come through the midfield pretty easily.
“We spoke about that at training during the week and we challenged everyone to be resilient and keep digging in and they did that which was great to see.”
Simmonds said that Nipperess’ performance in goals was outstanding and said the youngster had been “unreal” for the side in 2020.
The side came out of the game with one injury which Simmonds himself suffered.
He said he would hopefully be fit and ready to play in Saturday’s decider, but said that the team had the depth to cover him in the backline if he had to miss out.
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