South Lismore FC has sensationally secured their spot in the FFNC Premier Division Grand-Final for the first time since 1993. 

The Grand Final birth for the Celtics comes only two seasons after gaining promotion into the Premier Division competition after more than 10 years' absence. 

Despite the celebrations for South Lismore, the result didn’t come easy in Byron Bay yesterday afternoon with Souths trailing by two goals twice in the match. 

Byron Bay’s class attackers ran riot early on as veteran midfielder Benny Ahern fired home the opening goal from the corner of the box and four minutes later, teenager Rick Muir scored to shock the travelling supporters. 

Fifteen minutes in and South Lismore we’re back within one goal as powerful winger, Bob Mullenberg, got the better of his defender and his looping shot deflected over Byron Bay’s goalkeeper Pierce Essery. 

The goal looked to have changed the tide until Byron answered swiftly again as Muir met a cross and headed Byron Bay back into a two goal lead before halftime. 

“There was a lot of emotions running through our head as we went into half time," said South Lismore coach Cameron Hyde. 

“But we had to find something positive from the first half and find a way of getting back into the game. 

“Despite a horrible half defensively by everyone, we actually created a few really good chances of our own so we knew we could cause more damage in the second half. 

“The field is atrocious and that’s to be expected at this time of the year so it was impossible for both teams to keep possession. 

“It was a fairly clear message of getting numbers around the ball and supporting our attackers and we’ll get opportunities.”

A shot from Bobby Mullenberg (out of picture) sneaks past Byron Bay goalkeeper Pierce Essery as Souths' Paddy Kable (10) and Noah Coleman (8) look on. Photo: Dogwhistle

The second half started to swing South Lismore’s way and striker Murray Towner reduced the scoreline to 3-2. 

South Lismore would continue to ask questions of the young Byron defence and eventually they were back on level terms and locked the scores at 3-3 when Paddy Kable found the back of the net. 

Numerous chances would fall to both teams to take the lead in the final fifteen minutes. 

Kaine Allan got his first football in a month and almost set up the winner as he played a ball across to Kable who was unable to get his shot on target. 

The score would remain level and extra-time was upon us. 

South Lismore FC coach Cameron Hyde with his players before the extra time period with goalscorers Murray Towner (9) and Paddy Kable (far right). Photo: Dogwhistle

“We didn’t want to change anything just because we were level. I felt as though we dominated the second half so why not continue to take it to them," said Hyde. 

“The three boys off the bench brought some much needed life to the final moments of the game so I knew we’d create chances again.”

The task for South Lismore became a little easier as star striker Diego Vasquez received his second yellow card at the beginning of extra-time. 

Chances would still come thick and fast for both teams with Pierce Essery and Luke Condon standing tall and denying any chance of stealing the lead. 

A phenomenal point plank save by Essery in the 110th minute sent the game to a dreaded penalty shootout. 

“I couldn’t believe we hadn’t won the game in the end before the penalties," said Hyde. 

“We had a few really clear cut chances that we scuffed and the save right at the end could’ve proved costly.”

South Lismore would go on to score all four of their penalties while Luke Condon was the star between the sticks by saving the first one and then seeing Byron’s fourth penalty go sailing over the bar. 

The remarkable turnaround was completed with South Lismore earning a week off as they wait to see who they’ll face in the decider. 

“It was an incredible moment to experience. It didn’t quite top the moment in Ballina a couple of years ago when we were promoted but the atmosphere was fantastic and to see so many Lismore people there in support was a special moment," said Hyde. 

“From the 46th minute onwards everyone played extremely well. Once we reset ourselves after halftime then we were a completely different side. 

“I thought Jonty Miller was huge for us today. It wasn’t a pretty performance from anyone but Jonty had to do a lot of hold up work and despite not scoring the goals his presence allowed for us to get back into the game. 

“I’m also stoked for the defenders. They were singled out at halftime but to their credit they copped it and returned serve. 

“Bodhi (Estreich) and Trevor (Vail) were really important in how we had to attack in the second half, while Jacko (Maher) and Connor (Whitehall) prevented Byron getting a fourth which would’ve closed the game out. They should all be extremely proud of their second half performances.”