South Lismore FC are one game away from the Football Far North Coast Premier Division Grand Final after a massive 4-1 victory over Richmond Rovers in the Qualifying Final last night. 

The two Lismore club’s met in front of an incredible crowd to showcase Lismore’s two best teams of 2019 and they didn’t disappoint. 

South Lismore would stick with the same eleven that defeated Rovers 3-1 three weeks earlier as Jonty Miller remained as the striker and young Connor Whitehall kept his place in defence. 

This meant that Kaine Allan and Cristian Brown would remain on the bench as coach Cameron Hyde wanted to reward those who have performed well in recent weeks. 

Like their last encounter, Rovers came out of the blocks firing and looked to place the home side under pressure. The intense beginning didn’t lead to any attempts on Luke Condon’s goal until controversy at the other end sparked a debate. 

Patrick Kable took an innocuous kick to the back of his leg resulting in a penalty for the home side. 

Jonty Miller stepped up but was denied twice by goalkeeper Chris Jones. Jones saving the original shot and then reacted quickly to prevent the follow up tap-in for Miller. 

South Lismore coach Cameron Hyde said it’s one of the decisions that can go either way and that no one can complain at the end of it, except his team for not converting the chance. 

“I know Rovers are obviously disappointed in the decision but it’s one of those that can go either way. The players said there was contact and an unsuccessful attempt to win the ball. 

“Sometimes they’re given and sometimes they’re not. If it was outside the box then you’d say it’s a free kick but it seems a lot worse when it results in a penalty. 

“In a way by Jonesy making the save meant that no one could argue anymore as it remained nil all at that time anyway.”

South Lismore wouldn’t have to wait much longer to get their goal as young midfielder Harry Armstrong met a Noah Coleman corner and his glancing header put the Celtics in front 1-0 leading into half time. 

“Our message was the same at halftime as it was before the game,” said Hyde. 

“I thought our first half was excellent and we didn’t allow them the opportunity to create too many chances so there was no need to change anything.”

The second half begun and South Lismore missed two excellent chances to double their lead. 

Murray Towner found himself in on goal but put his shot wide of the goal while Kable’s close range shot was excellently saved onto the post. 

The pressure took its toll and South Lismore went two in front to the delight of the home support. 

Bob Mullenberg got the better of his man and unselfishly set up Kable for a close finish. 

The lead went to three midway through the second half as Kable played a ball across to Towner who was able to control and round Jones and finish into an empty net. 

Murray Towner, who started as a junior, scored the vital third goal against Richmond Rovers in the Qualifying Semi-Final. Photo: Steve Mackney

Rovers were able to get on the scoreboard with ten minutes remaining as a goalmouth scramble led to Jayden Allen claiming the goal. 

South Lismore would have the final say as captain Kable got his second of the match in a fine individual performance. 

The squad celebrated with the bench and coaching staff as they recorded one of their finest victories of the season. 

South Lismore Celtic FC coach Cameron Hyde with Paddy Kable as their side beat Richmond Rovers 4-1 to face Byron Bay in the Grand Final Qualifier. Photo: Steve Mackney

South Lismore will travel to Byron Bay next weekend in a Grand Final Qualifier. 

Hyde said he was delighted for his players and they deserve every bit of success. 

“I’m always happy for my players. I know how much time and effort they commit to us improving so when they win these big games I’m just a proud dad so to speak because they deserve it. 

“We executed everything we spoke about and our press was incredible once again. 

“The back four didn’t allow too many attempts on goal and when you’re facing strike power like Jono and Casa then that’s very pleasing. 

“We conceded a fairly soft goal to be honest and I was very quick to remind the players after the game that it’s not good enough to switch off for five seconds and concede those goals. 

“But it’d be impossible for me to single out a man of the match because everyone played exceptionally well and I know the home fans couldn’t be prouder of their efforts. 

“It’s one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen at a local game for a long, long time. Both clubs were very well supported and being on a Friday night allowed more people to get out and watch the premier players of our area. 

“We’ll turn our attention to Byron Bay and find a way of beating them too. 

“They’re an incredible side and have significantly improved throughout the year with the new players so we know this will be another great test and exactly what we want. 

“We took the lead twice last time in Byron and realistically should’ve seen the game out and won it so we’ll take confidence over there.”

Elimination Semi-Final: Bangalow v Lismore Thistles, Jeff Schneider Field, Bangalow, today, 2.30pm