NORTH Coast opened their Premier Youth campaign with two wins and three defeats against Maitland FC at Coffs Coast Synthetics on Sunday, but it was a day that showcased both promise and resilience across the grades.
The Under-14s wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest.
Barely a minute had ticked by when Jonty Ttooulou pounced, rifling home to give North Coast a dream 1-0 start.
It was the perfect statement of intent: sharp, aggressive and clinical.
Maitland responded with purpose and pressure.
Their persistence paid off midway through the half when Riley Harmon converted from the spot to level proceedings at 1-1 after 25 minutes.
But just as they had in the opening half, North Coast came out firing after the break.
Luis Gibson delivered a pinpoint corner in the 41st minute and Will Joyce rose highest, steering a fantastic header into the bottom corner to restore the lead.
It proved decisive.
What followed was a gritty, disciplined final half hour.
North Coast absorbed pressure, defended resolutely and counter-attacked with intent to secure a hard-earned three points in their season opener.
The Under-15s also produced a strong response after a sluggish start.
Trailing early, North Coast flicked the switch midway through the first half and never looked back.
Raman Dalaf turned the match on its head with two goals in as many minutes to seal a 2-1 victory.
North Coast Football technical director Nico Bonarrigo said there were plenty of positives.
“All in all it was a good day,” he said.
“Well done to the 14s and 15s.
“The 14s controlled the game and started strongly in both halves.
“They maintained possession well and Will Joyce scored an excellent header to win the match.
“The 15s were slow to start but dominated after the first 20 minutes.
“Raman [Dalaf] scored a very good goal, dribbling past a defender and chipping the goalkeeper with his left foot.
“For the second goal he looked second favourite to get there, but he chased down a hopeful ball and was rewarded. “That goal won us the match.”
Elsewhere, the Under-13s suffered a 4-3 defeat after leading 2-0, surrendering momentum in the second half.
The Under-16s were on the back foot early, conceding four goals in the opening 17 minutes before improving as the contest wore on in a 6-2 loss.
The Under-18s rounded out the day with a 2-0 defeat after a slow start proved costly.
“The 13s were 2-0 ahead but lost possession and the match in the second half,” Bonarrigo said.
“The 16s had a really bad start which shaped the game, but they improved as it progressed.
“The 18s had a slow start and it just wasn’t their day.
“All in all there are a lot of positives from the first round and we’ll continue to build and get better as the season progresses.”
By David WIGLEY
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