Will Goonellabah play like a wounded beast about to avenge a savage mauling against defending Premiers Byron Bay in the Football Far North Coast Premier Division match of the day at Weston Park this afternoon?

The Hornets played their first game of the new season against South Lismore Celtic after their FFA Cup exploits and were thrashed 6-1 on Friday, April 5. Conversely Byron Bay lost their first two matches of the Premier Division season but have made it to the final of the ANZAC Cup after defeating Lismore Richmond Rovers 2-0 last Wednesday.

"Byron is a difficult prospect," said Goonellabah FC head coach John Eakin. "They have been consistently near the top of the league for the past five years and will be another good test for us."

"We are learning a new shape and are still a few players from our best possible line up but as said last week it is a long season and we plan on building gradually," he told the Lismore App.

"We reflected on the Souths game and they would have beaten anyone last week."

Eat & Drink

Eakin confirmed that striker Liam Kelly "is getting stronger and will be back within the month and goalkeeper Brad Robertson had his first training session in goals on Thursday night after shoulder surgery".

Byron Bay won 1-0 at Weston Park in Round 16 last season, with the Hornets having stung the Bluedogs 3-0 on their own patch.

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The Reserve Grade side kick off the action at 1pm with the Premier Division match, beginning at 3pm.

The club then has its season launch at Club Goonellabah at 6pm. Tickets $15 per person including a roast dinner buffet.