Goonellabah FC is into its first final since the 2016 Football Far North Coast Grand Final in 2016.

The Hornets went to South Lismore FC in the Third Round of the Tursa Emplyment & Training ANZAC Day Cup last Sunday afternoon and came away with a 1-0 victory that ensured they will be in the final against either Byron Bay or Alstonville.

"This was a must-win game for us to proceed through to the grand final," said Hornets' coach Michael Primiano.

"The game came with the challenge of replacing three players due to injury but as the squad has been working hard on our tactical game, their replacements were able to step up and cover different positions."

The match had to endure heavy rain downpours which turned the pitch sodden making moving the ball around difficult.

"The game could have gone either way with both sides creating opportunities that were shut down by defence but a penalty shot by Tom Pitman put us in front before half-time," Primiano said.

South Lismore, who won the Premier League Grand Final for their first time since 1993, were embarrassed with a 4-1 home defeat to Maclean in Round 1 and came out determined to equalise in the second half.

Goonellabah FC's striker Tom Pitman hangs onto a South Lismore's players shorts as he goes to ground. Photo: Sarah Gerrard

"A player from both sides received a red card but with a quick change of formation we were able to hold the Celtics out for the win," said Primiano.

Hornets' Liam Kelly was sent off for two yellow cards and South Lismore player received a straight red card.

The Hornets players celebrated at the final whistle.

"The boys were elated," said Primiano.

Goonellabah: Brad Robertson; Brady Toniello, Chris Clarke, Andrew McCalman, Wayne Gordon; Will McCalman, Izac Monsuere, Josh Moore Evans; Liam Kelly Tom Pitman, Aaron Kelly. Substitutes: Matt Weir, Jackson Leach, Noel King Stewart, Elijah Kelly

Goonellabah have to wait for the delayed Richmond Rovers v Alstonville match to be played with the sport in mothballs with the rate of infections from the coronavirus worsening in Australia daily.

Northern NSW Football and Football Far North Coast have suspended all types of football activity until Tuesday, 14 April until further notice as per the requirement of Football Federation Australia.

It is the first final for the Hornets since the 1-0 Grand Final loss to Bangalow in 2016. Hornets last won a final in 2011 when they beat Richmond Rovers 5-0 in the Grand Final at Oakes Oval with goals to Sam Ireland, Cameron Rippon, Matt Dorigo, Dave Annetts and Cerys Hawkins.