NORTHERN Storm marched into round five of the Australia Cup after a clinical 3-1 victory over Southern United at Korora on Sunday.
A lively Storm outfit struck first through new recruit Thomas Frewen, who finished with a strike into the top corner from a pinpoint Tom Sweeney cross delivered from the right flank.
But Southern United, representing the Forster–Tuncurry region, refused to fold.
They hit back before the break to level proceedings at 1-1, ensuring the contest remained delicately balanced heading into halftime.
“Southern came out really strong in the first half,” said Northern Storm coach Craig Caruana.
“Although we went in 1-1 at half time we needed to adjust a bit to what they were doing as I thought they had the better of the half.
“It was a totally different game in the second half which we dominated and deserved our two goals to get the win.”
The second half belonged to Northern Storm.
Emerging talent Ben Dove proved the difference, the young attacker netting twice to take control and ultimately seal the result.
“We had some really good performances with so many regulars out. Marko Kisose led a really young team well,” Caruana said.
“Griffin Hill is proving himself to be a kid on the rise, and Tom Frewen added some size and experience and held the ball up really well with some good link up play with Benny Dove.”
The win propels Northern Storm into the next stage of the national knockout competition with momentum building at the right time during pre-season.
They will now face Moore Creek from Tamworth in round five of the Australia Cup.
By David WIGLEY
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