Goonellabah FC coach John Eakin praised all his players, playing their third match in six days, who were only minutes from beating South Lismore FC for the first time this season in the Football Far North Coast Premier Division at Weston Park last night.

Hornets were behind twice but then took the lead in a thriller. then they were denied by a penalty decision with only minutes to go - a result that did not help either side with just two matches to play of the regular season.

"It was a crazy start," said Eakin.

"We were on goal down after a minute, then we equalised in the second minute," said Eakin. "Liam Kelly hit a stinging shot from the edge of the box after turning his defender.

South Lismore then lost the experienced Kaine Allan after only four minutes.

"Souths probably had the better of the first half marginally but 1-1 it remained," said Eakin. "Second half saw Souths take the lead 2-1 from a corner and a Paddy Kable header. Then we were awarded a penalty which Lloyd Howard took and converted for 2-2."

Then Goonellabah took the lead for the first time in the match.

"We took the lead of from a free kick that was headed over the oncoming keeper. Not sure by who, none of my players claimed the goal after the match," said Eakin.

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"At 3-2 Baitok Ring hit the post and then missed a one on one to extend our lead," said Eakin.

It was a miss that proved costly.

"With only a handful of minutes they were awarded a penalty which was converted," said Eakin.

"We were unlucky not to get the three points."

Eakin said all his players played well and was pleased with the performance of the entire team.

"I thought. Baitok, Jack Watson and Will McCalman were outstanding and Nelson Cheli and Chris Clarke thwarted anything direct from Souths."

The result sees Goonellabah FC stay in sixth, two points behind Bangalow with two rounds to go.

South Lismore's point sees them move into second placed, above Lismore Richmond Rovers on goal difference.

Goonellabah's next match is against the league leaders and 2018 Major Premiers Byron Bay at Weston Park next Friday

Hornets' Premier Division starting XI: Brad Robertson, Izac Monsuere, Chris Clarke, Nelson Cheli, Wayne Gordon, Jack Watson, Will McCalman, Brenton Perin, Baitok Ring, Liam Kelly, Lloyd Howard.

Points (matches played): Byron Bay 34 (17), South Lismore 33 (19), Lismore Richmond Rovers 33 (17), Lismore Thistles 31 (18), Bangalow 28 (18), Goonellabah 26 (19), Alstonville 21 (18), Ballina 0 (18)

Premier Division Round 16

Goonellabah 3 South Lismore 3

Alstonville v Lismore Thistles, Crawford Park, Alstonville, today 3pm

Lismore Richmond Rovers v Ballina, Bill Harris Field, East Lismore, today 3pm

Byron Bay v Bangalow, Byron Bay Recreation Grounds, Sunday, 2.30pm