Round 1 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Sawtell Scorpions
Match postponed due to torrential rain, played on 6 June 2009
A
very depleted Storm side took on Sawtell at Toormina in the catch up
round on a pitch that bordered on unplayable. With 5 players
unavailable for the Storm and Sawtell now at full strength the Storm
would have to dig in.
The match commenced from referee Mackie’s
whistle at a tremendous pace with the ball traveling from end to end
but the Scorpions looked the far more dangerous. Luke France was
creating havoc up front but was closely marked by Michael Turner and
this clash was worth the price of admission alone. Then in what only
only be described as 15 minutes of madness Sawtell scored 4 goals. The
first goal came from a defensive error however the next 2 were very
questionable. On the 1st occasion the ball had clearly travelled out
and all players stopped except for the Sawty attacker who went to goal
and deceived Brad Palmer one on one. The next goal was a dotty awarded
by Referee Mackie for what seemed to be a great and fair tackle on Luke
France in the box. The 4th came from a long ball over the Storm
defence’s heads and was neatly slotted.
Halftime 4 nil to Sawty and the Storm were shellshocked.
The
2nd half was much of the same the Storm were showing a great fighting
spirit and midway through the half pulled a goal back through Paul Moss
and were much improved. Unfortunately they let another goal in from a
corner, and were lucky not to concede again when Luke France hit the
bar from another referee Mackie awarded dotty. Fulltime 5 1 to Sawtell.
Hopefully
the Storm will be at full at full strength in the next few weeks and
finish the season strongly. Youth League players Tom Frewen and Harley
Parker spent time on the field on played well with great enthusiasm and
pace.
In Youth league a great match was played against Sawtell
who were undefeated and had only let in 1 goal all season. But the
young Storm boys did their club proud and held on for a nil all draw.
The last 15 minutes they repelled a desperate Sawty team who were
getting very frustrated. Great efforts by all the team but special
mention to keeper Toby Weithern, Sam Smythe and under 16 player Tim
Klingbiel. Fantastic to see Luke Schafer back from an ankle injury.
This team has great talent and could do anything when they put their
minds to it.
Well done boys!!!
Report by Rob Manning
Round 2 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Coffs City United Lions (19 April 2009)
Korora Sports Arena provided the venue for this opening clash between last year's premiers Coffs Utd and the Storm Thunder.
The Lions starting side was imposing and boasted a bench that
contained Ben Mackay and the Turner brothers. The Storm were without
Wade Hudson and Luke Venn who are still on the casualty list.
With the wind against them the Lions were in control of the
1st half and 20 minutes in were rewarded with a goal to Daniel 'Snowy'
Ivers . The Lions pushed forward all half but were repelled by solid
Storm defence led by Nathan Skinner who seemed to be everywhere and
Kody Hughes. Halftime was 1 nil to Coffs Utd.
After oranges and some positional changes by Storm coach Rob
Harbour, the Storm attacked strongly and after 18 minutes received a
penalty for hand ball which was promptly dispatched by Evan Williams to
make the score 1 all.
Coffs then attacked constantly and their height difference
against the Storm was showing dividends. A bouncing ball eluded keeper
Brad Palmer and Coffs went ahead 2 to 1. Soon after an excellent cross
by Anthony Wiseman found an unmarked Nathan Silvi to make the score 3
to 1. The Storm refused to drop their heads and Doyle Clare finished
off a smart movement started by Sam Page and Evan Williams to make the
score 3 to 2.
With 18 minutes left to go, the Storm keeper was sent off
after for dissent after protesting a challenge from replacement Ben
Mackay who was given a goal. Score was now 4 to 2 to Coffs. This
signaled a baptism of fire for 17 year old Simon Ellis who was now the
Storm custodian. Late goals to Ben Mackay and Ryan Turner blew the
score out to 6 to 2. The score was no indication of the game which was
of a high quality and entertaining.
Coffs showed again they are the side to beat and their
coaching staff were delighted with the result. Storm coach Rob Harbour
said, "At 1 all we were right in it and a missed shot that hit the bar
and we should have been in front. The send off was the end of our
challenge, but we will regroup and bounce back".
Scorers for Coffs Utd were Ben Mackay 2 Nathan Silvi 2, Snowy
Ivers and Ryan Turner, whilst Evan Williams and Doyle Clare both scored
for the Storm.
Best players for Coffs were Snowy Ivers, Nathan Silvi and
Stuart Campbell, whilst Jeff Moss, Evan Williams and Jade Porter were
the best for the Storm.
- Report by Rob Manning, Northern Storm FC
Round 3 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Urunga Raiders (2 May 2009)
A night at the “cabbage patch” in Urunga was never going to be an easy task and so it proved against the Raiders.
1st
Division men commenced with the Storm missing Evan Williams and the
suspended keeper Brad Palmer, not to mention had Luke Venn and Wade
Hudson playing their 1st game from injury and Michael Turner back from
work commitments.
The Raiders game was sharp with slick passing
movements but the Storm backline held until late in the half when
another dive by a Raiders player resulted in a penalty. After
consultation by referee and linesman a dotty was given despite the
alleged offence happening some 2 metres outside the box. 1 nil to the
Raiders and even their bench was embarrassed by Referee Mackie’s
decision.
The score stayed the same until halftime but soon after the
Raiders went 2 up and were asking a lot of questions of the Storm
defence. Doyle Clare then made a break and beat the keeper only to see
the bar get in the way to save a goal.
The Raiders scored 2 more late
and were worthy winners. The Storm must now regroup and be ready for
Orara next week who are never easy and are always committed.
Report by Rob Manning
Round 4 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Orara Valley Dingoes (10 May 2009)
With
both sides desperate for the points a keen contest would surely
entertain the good crowd at Korora International Sports Arena on
Mother's Day.
Both teams were understrength but it was evident
from the opening whistle that the Thunder had come to play. Attacking
raids were the order of the day with Luke Venn terrorizing the Dingoes
backline but narrow misses and some excellent keeping by Josh Harrigan
kept the scoresheet clean. With the Moss brothers controlling the
midfield it allowed Jamie Kennedy to get forward and work with Luke
Venn but it took until the 30th minute before Paul Moss eventually got
one past Harrigan. The only real chance Orara had was a bullet fired in
by Dylan Louden that narrowly missed. Halftime was 1 nil to the Storm
could have easily been much more.
Orara coach Jason Snell
pleaded for more commitment from his players and Storm coach Rob
Harbour begged for more accuracy at halftime.
The second half
was a carbon copy of the first with all the play at the Orara end and
Harrigan certainly earning his money. With so many chances gone begging
the Storm faithful were on edge and simply couldn’t believe the missed
opportunities. Coach Harbour brought on Brett Lacey and within minutes
he had Harrigan tipping a very good volley over the bar. It didn’t take
long and Lacey squeezed one past Harrigan to make it 2 nil and out of
the Dingoes reach. Final score 2 nil to the Thunder.
Orara coach
Jason Snell was thankful at the small scoreline and said it could have
been anything and he can’t wait to have all his squad at his disposal.
He was full of praise for his keeper Josh Harrigan. Storm coach Rob
Harbour was pleased with the win and the effort of his team despite
missing so many shots. Best players for the Storm were 16 year old
Frank La Spada, Jamie Kennedy and Luke Venn although Harbour said all
the team played well.
The Thunder travel to Grafton next week to take on Westlawn which is never easy up there.
Report by Rob Manning
Round 5 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Westlawn Tigers (16 May 2009)
No match report available
Round 6 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Coffs Coast Tigers (23 May 2009)
Match postponed due to torrential rain - played on 2 August 2009
STORM MISS TARGET
Another great day for football at Polwarth Dve on a well prepared pitch.
The Tigers on the back of a Woopi loss the night before could strengthen their semis claim and a win to the Storm could ease relegation woes.
Unfortunately for the Storm a very nervous start which resulted in poor passing and wrong decisions they soon found themselves down by 1 after a long ball found Kodjo Adjassou and he made no mistake. Ten minutes later in a carbon copy of the 1st goal Otis Barney found himself one on one with keeper Simon Ellis and he made it 2 nil to the Tigers.
The Storm after 30 minutes settled down and good passing found Vinnie Spicico in the area for him only to be fouled and Jeff Moss step up to reduce the deficit to 1 goal. The Storm were now playing good football with Luke Venn in particular causing concerns for the Tigers backline.
Just prior to halftime a penalty was awarded to the Tigers and Adjassou had his 2nd from the spot although keeper almost saved the day with a tremendous effort. From there till oranges the Storm took control and Paul Moss had no one to beat but the keeper and what should have been a sure thing was very well saved. Halftime 3 1 to Tigers.
The Storm started the 2nd half like the 1st and soon after the restart after a defensive error trying to clear the ball found themselves down by 3 after Adjassou got his hatrick.
A desperate Storm side were now stung into action and with some positional changes they took control of the midfield and reduced the Tigers to playing the long ball. Kody Hughes was introduced to the game and Luke Venn was creating havoc up front with no luck. An indiscretion in the area gave Jeff Moss an opportunity to score from the spot but he drove wide, much to the Tigers relief.
All chances the Tigers had from then on were stopped by Frank La Spada who was playing a lone role at the back. More good passing movements were rewarded when Luke Venn pulled 1 back and he was unlucky not to have another soon after. The Storm missed another chance late when Kody Hughes put his header just over the bar. Fulltime 4 to 2 to Tigers in another game of missed opportunities by the Storm.
Player of the match for the Storm was Luke Venn.
Youth League was a 3 to 1 win to the Tigers over a very poor Storm side that took the field with only 9 players and had to borrow Womens captain Emma-Jane Manning to complete the 11 after 15 minutes.
Missed chances early in the match cost the Storm and 2 late goals to the Tigers sealed the match after the Storm were reduced to 10 men after a send off. A special mention to Tim Klingbiel who took the field injured but did not want to let the team down and also thanks to the u/16s who helped out.
Rob Manning NSFC.
Round 7 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Boambee Bombers (31 May 2009)
A cold and windy day greeted players and spectators at Korora International Sports Arena on Sunday.
The Bombers looked at full strength with the Thunder still missing 3 key players. In a 1st half that seemed to be played in 15 minute intervals the Storm got off to a bright start and knocked the ball around getting into position to score but without really threatening. The next 15 minutes belonged to Boambee who constantly pushed forward and 2 defensive errors allowed Wade Parker to score twice and the Bombers had their tails up. The final 15 minutes were the opposite with the Storm now attacking in waves and were soon rewarded with a goal to Jamie Kennedy. Halftime was Boambee 2 Storm 1.
Storm coach Rob Harbour was pleased with his charges effort but knew the 2nd half would tough and was even made harder with the loss of the in form Frank La Spada with a hamstring injury.
The Storm commenced the 2nd half the way they finished the 1st and were unlucky not to score on 2 occasions in the first 20 minutes and looked the better side although coach Harbour was concerned those missed opportunities would come back to haunt them.
His assessment was spot on and following a long clearance by Jake Stitt and a mistake in the Storm defensive line Brady Parker pounced and gave keeper Brad Palmer no chance to make the score 3 to 1. Soon after a misdirected back pass fell to the feet of Brady Parker who had his second.
To add insult another failure to clear the ball again allowed Brady Parker to have the ball in the box and again he made no mistake. Final score Boambee 5 Storm 1.
The final score was not a true indication of the game with Storm in contention for long periods but again were punished for losses of concentration.
Best players as judged by referee Payne were Wade Parker and Grant Scully for Boambee and Jamie Kennedy for the Storm.
Youth League was a 4 to 2 victory to Boambee with the Storm missing several players and having only 1 substitute. The Storm did welcome the addition of Jason {the boss} Breton who did a fantastic job guiding the young Storm team around the paddock.
Report by Rob Manning
Round 8 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Woolgoolga Wolves (13 June 2009)
No match report available
Round 9 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Maclean Bobcats (21 June 2009)
Match postponed due to torrential rain - played on 19 July 2009
Northern Storm hosted a Bobcats team missing Fraser Robinson and Isaac McClymont in their catch up round at Korora International Sports Arena. Whilst the Bobcats were missing their stars it was nothing compared to the Storm who suffered 2 send offs the day before in Nathan Skinner and keeper Brad Palmer and also the unavailability of Evan Williams and Simon Ellis and a long term injury to Jamie Kennedy.
The match was played in superb conditions and the Bobcats were at their best moving the ball around and holding possession for long periods. It wasn’t long before they had their 1st goal and the Storm on the back foot. Midway through the half they had their 2nd and alarm bells were ringing on the Storm bench. Playing the majority of the game the day before with only 9 players would surely take its toll. To their credit the Storm dug in and halftime came at 2nil to the Bobcats.
Boss Breton decided at oranges that due to the fatique factor a new defensive strategy would be employed for the 2nd half and this seemed to confuse the Bobcats for the 1st 20 minutes. Soon after that they had their 3rd goal and quickly followed up with their 4th.
These goals were the result of good passing and a great structure but the Storm had also had a couple of chances in that time.
Late in the match the Bobcats got their 5th goal against a very tired Storm defence. Luke Venn and Lee Winkler had been combining well and this resulted in a very near miss to Luke Venn near fulltime.
The Storm must now regroup and go into next week's vital clash against Westlawn Tigers with a never say die attitude.
Goals to the Bobcats Travis Armstrong 2, Dane Ellis, Kevin Crofton and Matt Bryant.
Best players as judged by the referee were Aaron Byles and Travis Armstrong for the Bobcats and Michael Turner and Luke Venn for the Storm.
Youth League was a tremendously entertaining match with the Storm winning 3 to 1. Zafiro Chrissoni got a hat trick and this made it two wins for the weekend for the Storm boys.
After a slow start to the season the boys are now moving into semis contention and are the future of the club.
Round 10 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Sawtell Scorpions (28 June 2009)
A large crowd had gathered at Korora International Sports Arena to witness this match or were they there to witness new Storm coach Jason{the boss}Breton.
Sawtell are the improving side in the competition and Breton was still learning his players names. Soon after the whistle it was obvious this game was going to be played at a furious pace. The Thunder were playing a very expansive game whilst the Scorpions were content to put the long ball through to Luke France and Joel Parkin. Midway through the half a superb passing movement from the middle down to the right eventually found Jamie Kennedy whose shot beat Rod Simpson all ends up. Storm up 1 nil.
This stung the Scorpions and they pushed forward constantly and eventually earned a corner whilst was allowed to bounce twice in the box before Luke France equalized.
The Storm again attacked down the right and Wade Hudson missed by a whisker and they well on top in the territory battle. Disaster then struck following a Rod Simpson save with all the Storm players pushing forward Luke France found himself on the end of a long ball to beat Brad Palmer 1 on 1. Halftime 2 to 1 to Sawtell was no indication of the half.
The 2nd half commenced and Ian Glover’s words must have had an effect on his players as they reverted to a more structured passing game. They were holding the ball for long periods although it must be said the Storm gave up easy possession. Eventually after a poor back pass Joel Parkin found himself 1 on 1 with Brad Palmer and made no mistake. Jason Breton then made several changes and the introduction of Matt Latham immediately gave the Scorpions trouble. Frustration then crept into the match and yellow cards became the order of the day. Late in the match Luke France was awarded a fair dotty for a tackle in the box to make the final score 4 1 to Sawtell.
The Storm especially in the 1st half showed their coach they have what it takes and will finish the season strongly. The Scorpions are finals bound but 1 must question where would they be without Luke France.
Best players for Sawtell were Luke France and Jake Glover whilst Paul Moss and Luke Venn who didn’t stop running all day were the Storms best.
Youth League was a tremendous game with the Storm going up 2 nil against the Scorpions courtesy of 2 superb Zafiro Chriossoni strikes. But they eventually run down by 1 of the premiership favourites to finish at 2 all. The Storm now have a full squad and are going to cause a lot of headaches to teams above them before this season ends.
Rob Manning
NSFC.
Round 11 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Coffs City United Lions (4 July 2009)
No match report available
Round 12 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Urunga Raiders (12 July 2009)
A small crowd was on hand on witness a vital clash between the Thunder and the Raiders at Korora International Sports Arena. With a surface that was holding so much water it would certainly chop up late in the match.
From the opening whistle Urunga dropped into their crisp passing game and were holding possession for long periods. Frustration was creeping into the Storm and an avalanche of free kicks to Urunga kept the Storm on the backfoot and keeper Brad Palmer very busy. When they did get possession the Storm were usually quick in handing it back to the Raiders and it was obvious to coach Breton they were not on their game.
20 minutes before halftime a long ball found Luke Venn who beat his defender and deceived Raffe Brennan to send the Storm up 1 nil. This was against the run of play.
The rest of the continued the same way but the Storm were looking more dangerous with introduction of Evan Williams after a 9 week absence. Halftime 1 nil to the Storm.
The 2nd half started and a transformation had come over the Storm as they now had the Raiders on the backfoot and exposed plenty of space down the right hand side where young Tom Frewen was creating havoc. For all this attack poor finishing was their nemesis and the same score remained. On a rare attacking raid Urunga found space in the area and leveled up when a shot cannoned into the post and then the net. 1 all. This to was against the run of play.
The Boss Breton then ordered all out attack and again the Storm created chance after chance including missing an open goal from 2 metres out. Had they taken their chances the game should have been out of reach for the Raiders.
With 9 minutes left and the Storm playing an attacking formation a vulnerable Storm backline was deceived by the smart foot work of Sinai Saul and the Storm found themselves behind on the scoreboard.
The Storm constantly attacked the Raiders backline and created more chances but poor shooting would prove to be their downfall. Fulltime Raiders 2 Storm 1.
Best for the Storm were Luke Venn Lee Winkler and Evan Williams.
Shooting practice would have to be high on Jason Breton’s coaching agenda this week before their take on a desperate Orara at Dairyville next Saturday.
Youth League went to Storm 2 to 1. They are the improving team in this vital competition that is paramount to the future of football on the North Coast. The Storm are the dark horses and teams above them are looking over their shoulders.
Rob Manning NSFC.
Round 13 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Orara Valley Dingoes (18 July 2009)
No match report available
Round 14 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Westlawn Tigers (26 July 2009)
A dull and gloomy day greeted players and
spectators at Korora International Sports Arena on Sunday. A desperate
and undermanned Storm side would have to pull out all stops against an
equally desperate Tigers team.
The Storm dressing room was buoyant
despite having 6 regulars on the sideline, but could this transformed
into a winning formula.
From the kick off it was evident that the
Storm had come to play and they peppered the Tigers goalmouth but what
has been the norm for the season accuracy was their nemesis. This could
also be said for the Tigers as they were also wayward when in the zone.
Mykel
Watson returning from injury was playing a blinder and was soon
rewarded with a well taken shot. Storm up 1 nil and on top in most
facets but the young winger on the left for the Tigers was causing
concerns with his speed. Luke Venn then hit the bar and all believed
the ball had crossed the line except for the man that counts the
referee.
Enter 16 year old Brazilian Vinnie Spicico who had the
Tigers immediately on the backfoot with his dazzling footwork, it was
his pressure that caused an error from the keeper who only cleared as
far to Spicicio who calmly headed off to Paul Moss who put found an
open net. Storm up 2 nil and in control at halftime.
The 2nd half
would see a very committed Tigers team throw all at the Storm in the
early stages and on the 20 minute mark got a goal back after a corner.
This was hotly disputed by keeper Simon Ellis who believed he had been
taken out.
This spurred the Storm on and Luke Venn and Vinnie
Spicicio were now causing havoc on the back of strong midfield work by
Watson, Gourley and Moss.
Luke Venn then found himself one on with the keeper and put the issue beyond doubt with a superb strike Storm up 3 to 1.
Fulltime
came eventually and the Storm were relieved but justifiably proud of
their patched up team. The Tigers played well and have some real talent
in their youngsters.
Best player for the storm was Mykel Watson
closely followed by Michael Turner but all players put in a 110%
effort on a backs to the wall occasion.
The side on the day was: Simon
Ellis, Frank La Spada, Jade Porter, Tom Frewen, Wade Hudson, Paul Moss,
Luke Venn, Brett Lacey, Mykel Watson, Dave Gourley, Michael Turner
Substitutes: Scott Carpenter, Tristan Albert, Tim
Klingbiel, Alex Jones, Vinnie Spicicio.
Round 15 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Coffs Coast Tigers (9 August 2009)
After playing each other 7 days previously, would new game plans be hatched in this encounter?
From the kick off it was clear the Storm were not going to get off to
the poor start of the week before and tight marking and a neat passing
game made sure they held the ball for long periods. The back 3 of
Nathan Skinner, Michael Turner and young Frank La Spada were holding
the dangerous Tigers strikers at bay and they rarely required Brad
Palmer to make a save. The other end of the field was a different story
with 16 year old Vinnie Spicico causing the Tigers backline many
headaches and only last ditch defense kept him scoreless.
The best shot of the 1st half went to Jamie Kennedy who let rip with a
thunderbolt from 30 metres that brought about a tremendous diving save
from the keeper. Halftime nil all.
The large crowd were still getting their sausage sandwiches when after
only 2 minutes after the resumption Vinnie[the mars bar kid]Spicico
sliced through to beat the keeper all ends up for a 1 nil lead to the
Storm.
This signaled a change of tactics for the Tigers as the call went out
to captain Fil Barrera to play the long ball at every opportunity. The
Storm were still dominating but again some missed opportunities in
front of goal were a worry.
David Adjassou found himself in possession 35 metres from goal and with
nothing on launched a speculator at goal that proved to be a tremendous
shot as it went over Brad Palmer’s outstretched fingers. 1 all and the
Storm faithful were in shock.
The turning point of the match came when Michael Turner who was playing
a blinder and easily best on ground was injured and had to be replaced.
Soon after a Luke Stowe long cross found an unmarked Tiger’s striker to
put them in front by 1. The Storm continued to attack to get back to
level terms and went close on 2 occasions but on the 2nd chance a long
ball out found Otis Barney in front of goal and after a scramble beat
Brad Palmer with a header. 3 to 1 to the Tigers and completely against
the run of play.
With time running out the Storm pushed up in attack and Luke Venn cut
through to get the deficit back to 1. Many free kicks were now being
awarded to the Storm very late in the match but they couldn’t snatch a
draw.
It was another case of missed shots costing the Storm and they were
clearly the better side on the day but on the wrong side of the
scoresheet.
Best players for the Storm were Paul Moss and Michael Turner before his injury.
Youth League was a tremendous game with Storm coming back from a 2 nil
halftime deficit to put in 5 2nd half goals (including 4 between the
Chiossoni brothers) in a display of striking worthy of 1st Division.
They must keep winning and hope results go their way for a semi’s spot
after their disastrous start to the season. Coaches man of the match on
the day was Tim Klingbiel on the left wing.
Round 16 - Northern Storm Thunder vs Boambee Bombers (16 August 2009)