A single goal was all that separated arch rivals Lismore Thistles and Lismore Richmond Rovers on Saturday afternoon.

Richmond Rovers Coach Todd Jones was trying to catch his breath post match after playing a major part in today's win.

Jones has only played a handful of matches in the past few years, but after losing a number of players in the off season, he has decided to brush off the boots and help out the club.

"I was really proud of the boys today. We worked hard this week on defending the set piece and I thought we did that really well today," he said.

"Both teams always lift for the East Lismore Derby and we knew it would be a physical match."

Richmond Rovers' First Grade coach Todd Jones went back to the future in the East Lismore derby. Photo: Steve Mackney

Experienced striker Matt Olley, who returned to the club after a year at Italo Stars, scored three minutes after halftime, and that goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Rovers' goalkeeper Chris Jones had a strong match, as did teenage midfielder, Theo Clarke.

Matt Olley has returned to Richmond Rovers after a successful season with Italo Stars. Photo: Matt Barl

It has been a big week for Theo after making his debut in First Grade last week and being named College Captain for 2021 at Trinity Catholic College.

Lismore Thistles' full-back Jeremy Sullivan tries to shield the ball from Richmond Rovers' midfield player Theo Clarke. Photo: Steve Mackney / Football Far North Coast

Jye Wilson was explosive for Thistles and was able to create several opportunities with his pace up front.

Lismore Thistles Coach Nick Winkler-Maloney was disappointed after the loss.

"We spoke about Rovers being a side that will take their chances and they did that today," Winkler-Maloney said

"We have a short turnaround now and travel to Byron Bay on Tuesday night"

Richmond Rovers take on Bangalow on Wednesday night at home.

Teams:

Richmond Rovers: Chris Jones; Mitch Holland, Joe Schofield, Tom Parsons, Ethan Allen; Jayden Allen, Kurt Walker, Brody Roberson; Theo Clarke, Matt Olley, Todd Jones. Substitutes: Harry Scutt, Brad Smith, Lachlan , Dan Hamshaw, Justin Pearson.

Lismore Thistles: Eamonn Wilde; Tyler Szczerbanik, Mitchell Beardow, Nick Rhodes, Jeremy Sullivan; Kaleb Gooley, Joel Worgan, Dean Marshall, Isaac Essery, Jye Wilson, Callan Sivewright. Substitutes: Matthew Wicks, James Hunt, Wil Parsons, Oscar Stahl, Ben Albertini.

Football Far North Coast Premier League Round 2

Byron Bay 1 Alstonville 2, Byron Bay Memorial Recreation Grounds

Richmond Rovers 1 Lismore Thistles 0, Bill Harris Field

TODAY: Goonellabah v South Lismore Celtic, Weston Park, 2:30pm

TODAY: Bangalow v Maclean, Jeff Schneider Field, 2:30pm

TUESDAY: Byron Bay v Lismore Thistles, Byron Bay Memorial Recreation Grounds, 8pm

WEDNESDAY: Richmond Rovers v Bangalow, Bill Harris Field, 8pm