Narrabri FC earns derby day double against the Elevens

Narrabri FC claimed its second Namoi Soccer League double in as many weeks after its first and reserve grade sides scored victories against local rivals Elevens FC on Saturday at Hogan Oval.

Narrabri FC won the first grade fixture 2-0 after the club’s reserve grade team won 4-0 earlier in the afternoon.

It was the second consecutive week that both sides kept clean sheets after they accounted for Wee Waa 3-0 and 1-0 respectively in round one.

On Saturday, the two sides remained scoreless in the first grade fixture until late in the first half when Colby Williams scored his second goal in as many matches.

The winger started the match on the bench but just as he did in round one, he made an instant impact with a goal almost immediately after being
substituted onto the field.

A well-worked team play saw Narrabri FC’s Tom Holland released in space down the left edge. He crossed the ball to fellow winger Williams who charged in from the right edge and made no mistake as he found the back of the net from close range.

The defending champions doubled their advantage less than 10 minutes after play restarted following the half-time break.

Narrabri FC centre back Nathan Trindall, who defended superbly throughout the match, ran the ball out of his own half and spotted a brilliant run made by captain Cooper Brayshaw.

Trindall threaded a perfect pass in behind the Elevens FC defence which Brayshaw ran onto before charging into the box and slotting a one-on-one strike just inside the left post to make the score 2-0.

That was the way the score remained when the full time whistle sounded.

Both sides’ defences were impressive on the day and goalkeepers Zaac Brayshaw (Narrabri FC) and Jakeb Nipperess (Elevens FC) were both in fine form between the sticks for their respective teams.

The two clubs met for the first time in a reserve grade derby on Saturday which was won 4-0 by Narrabri FC.

Both teams went into half-time scoreless following a brilliant defensive display in the opening 30 minutes.

However, a George Bennett goal midway through the second stanza sparked a Narrabri FC surge.

Bennett doubled his team’s advantage shortly after scoring his first goal for Narrabri FC, then Matt Edmonds and Tom Ryan scored their first goals for the club to put their side ahead 4-0.

That was the way the score remained when the full time whistle sounded.

Meanwhile, Wee Waa United FC scored its first victory of the first grade season when it hosted Moree Services FC in round two on Saturday.

The club’s 2020 golden boot winner David Avery made a stylish return with a hat-trick in his first match of the season as Wee Waa won 4-2 at Cook Oval.

Wee Waa opened the scoring about 20 minutes into the first half when Hayden Shearin converted from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the 18-yard box.

Avery then scored his first goal of the contest with 10 minutes left to play in the first half and the hosts went into the break leading 2-0.

He then made the score 3-0 in the second stanza before Moree hit back with a goal to make the score 3-1.

Avery then netted a third goal to complete his hat-trick and give his side a 4-1 lead.

Moree struck again with a late goal which was merely a consolation as the hosts won the match 4-2.

In the second grade game earlier in the day, Wee Waa went down 5-1 against Moree.

Narrabri FC travels to Moree this Saturday for its round three matches while the Elevens will host Wee Waa at Hogan Oval.