REIGNING premiers Woolgoolga Wolves reminded the competition why they’re the team to beat, by dismantling ladder leaders Coffs United 2-0 in a heavyweight clash on the synthetic turf last Sunday afternoon.
Skipper Jimmy Palmer sparked the upset with a captain’s goal in the 12th minute, rifling a drive into the corner from the edge of the box to hand the Wolves an early lead.
With midfield dominance and waves of attacking pressure, the Wolves overwhelmed the Lions, who struggled to match their intensity.
James Gorrie doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time, capping off a relentless opening stanza that saw the defending champs take a deserved 2-0 lead into the break.
Coffs United rallied after the restart and carved out several chances, but Woolgoolga’s defence — anchored by steely centre-backs and turbo-charged wingbacks — held firm in the second half.
Despite a disrupted start to the season due to persistent downpours, the Wolves now sit on six points from just three matches — and look every bit a title threat once more.
Coffs United, who’ve played double the games, remain atop the table with 13 points from six starts.
In the shock of the round, Yamba Breakers stunned last year’s grand winners Northern Storm 3-1 to rocket into second place.
The Breakers now sit on nine points from four matches, leapfrogging the Storm, who drop to third on eight from five.
Sawtell are still in striking distance, tucked in behind on seven points.
By David WIGLEY
