GUNNEDAH FC has begun its road to grand final redemption with a 4-2 victory over reigning premiers Quirindi FC.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The grand final rematch saw Gunnedah avenge their loss in last season's decider and open their 2019 season on a winning note.
Both Gunnedah's first and reserve grade sides recorded a victory in round one.
However, first grade coach Andy Cygan told the Leader there was still work to be done.
"I think we are still finding our feet a bit, but it was great for both sides to open the season with a win," Cygan said.
"We have worked really hard over the pre-season and it was pleasing to get the first win in the bank."
Read Also:
Cygan said the side's younger brigade helped secure victory for the club in round one.
"It was very special to see 15-year-old Charlie Lawrence come on and make an impact in the final 20 minutes for the first grade match," he said.
"As well as that, we will take a lot of confidence out of the performances of our young guns such as Jayden Thomas and Eli Rankmore.
"I was also really impressed by the efforts of our new goal-keeper Paul Webster; he lives in Narrabri, and is a really dedicated trainer and made a huge difference for us in first grade."
With a round one victory in the bag, FC will now turn their attention to hosting their first home game for the season against the South Lightning, who scored a 4-0 victory over the Kootingal Kougars.
"We will have a fair bit of a challenge against Souths this weekend," Cygan said.
"Being early in the season, it is difficult to get a read on the other teams, but Souths are always pretty strong."
Cygan said there would be "big changes" to Gunnedah's FC lineup in round two.
"I think we are going to be without three or four of our key defenders in first grade due to injuries and other commitments," he said.
"The good thing is, the depth and quality of depth we have this season should really help us fill those spots.
"Hopefully our young guns can stand up again and help us get the job done, and get the season off to an undefeated start in both grades."
The long-time coach said a combination of a strong offence and defence would be needed to defeat South Lightning.
"I think we could have been a bit tighter in defence last week," Cygan said.
"We let through two goals, although there wasn't too much we could do about one of them.
"As well as that, we will be looking to Rob Prior to stand up for us in attack again.
"He scored two goals last week and was very close to getting a hat trick.
"So hopefully he can do a job for us again."
Round two will begin in Gunnedah on Saturday, with reserve grade starting at 1pm. First grade will then follow, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.