Goonellabah FC move into four in the Football Far North Coast Premier Division after a free kick routine, spotted by eagle-eyed coach John Eakin, saw them beat Bangalow on their own ground.

Bangalow, who had beaten the Hornets twice this season, came into the match on the back of three defeats and Goonellabah FC's full-back Wayne Gordon ensured a miserable start for the home side.

"Liam Kelly got an early goal after a wonderful overlapping run from right back Wayne Gordon, who dribbled all the way to the near post and then passed to Liam for a tap in," Eakin told the Lismore App.

After a wonderful run by full-back Wayne Gordon (grounded), Liam Kelly has the easy job of tapping in Goonellabah FC's first goal. Photo: Sarah Gerrard

"We had the best passages of play in the first half and Kurt Stephens should have doubled our lead when he missed converting at the far post from a wayward shot that fell to his feet."

Kurt Stephens holds his head in his hands after missing a sitter on what was his first start of the season in Premier Division. Photo: Sarah Gerrard

The Hornets, who knew victory would get them into the top four, went in at half time one up.

"The second half was end to end but without real threat from either team," said Eakin. "Brad Robertson made an uncharacteristic error when trying to claim a difficult half volley on the edge of the box, spilling the ball for Bangalow to calmly pass into an empty net."

That meant the scores were level but when Shawn Dronfield got the coach's message from a free kick the Hornets went back ahead.

"When Bangalow set up poorly off an attacking free kick, Shawn Dronfield shaped to shoot over the wall, but passed the ball to an unmarked Tom Pitman who had time to control the ball and finish past the keeper," said Eakin.

Tom Pitman' shot goes past the Bangalow goalkeeper from Shawn Dronfield's free kick to give Goonellabah victory and put them into fourth spot. Photo: Sarah Gerrard

"They had every man in the wall or at the far post. I only yelled out 13 times for Shawn to pass it to the near post. He finally got the message."

The Hornets held on for victory and have only lost once in their past six matches.

"Jack Watson for me was our best. Defended well in midfield and shifted our play throughout," Eakin said.

Jack Watson looks comfortable on the ball as substitute Josh Moore-Evans looks on. Photo: Sarah Gerrard

"It was a good day after the disappointment of not getting the three points against Alstonville."

Football Far North Coast Premier Division Round 11

Bangalow 1 Goonellabah 2

Byron Bay 6 Ballina 0

Richmond Rovers v Alstonville, Bill Harris Field, POSTPONED

Lismore Thistles 2 South Lismore 2

Points score (fixtures played): South Lismore 25 (14), Byron Bay 25 (14), Lismore Thistles 24 (13), Goonellabah 22 (14), Richmond Rovers 20 (11), Bangalow 18 (12), Alstonville 16 (12), Ballina 0 (14).

Football Far North Coast Premier Division Round 12

Goonellabah v Alstonville, Weston Park, Goonellabah, Friday, 8pm

Byron Bay v Richmond Rovers, Saturday, 3pm

South Lismore v Bangalow, South Lismore, Saturday, 3pm

Lismore Thistles v Ballina, Sunday, 2.30pm