IONA FC have made a successful Australia Cup debut defeating the Nambucca Strikers 2-0 in their preliminary round match at the Coffs Football Centre.
Not only were Iona Sports Club making their Australia Cup debut, the Port Macquarie based club was also playing its first men’s match after previously competing in junior competitions.
The Port Macquarie club started to take control in the midfield against the Nambucca Strikers, and their weight of possession paid off when a long-range chip of the Strikers keeper opened the scoring in the 25th minute.
The Nambucca Strikers nearly found an equaliser late in the first half with penetrating runs from Ethan Hocking a constant threat to the Iona defence but it was Iona FC that headed into the half-time break holding a 1-0 lead.
Iona FC continued to have the wealth of possession and found a second goal early in the second half.
Iona FC continued to create numerous chances through the midfield, although Nambucca would go down swinging as they created a golden opportunity to nearly score their first goal of the match, which would have led to a grand stand finish.
Ultimately it would be Iona FC who would advance to the next round as 2-0 victors.
Nambucca Strikers Club president Kiely Chase said the club are now looking forwards to hosting the Nambucca Cup
“We have our annual challenge cup this month on 18,19,20 March and the Executive Committee met last week and decided that unless there is a major flood warning we are going ahead with teams coming from as north as Byron Bay and as south as Sydney to compete in 35s open men and open women.
“Two years in a row we have been unable to hold the tournament because of covid and flooding so we are jumping at the bit to have it this year and the players are so keen to play,” said Kiely.
