Football Far North Coast Premier Division joint leaders Lismore Thistles will give another Reserve Grade player his First Grade debut in the home match against Ballina.

Coach Darren Beardow told the Lismore App that Brendan Tickle will make his first start, replacing Wil Parsons.

"Both Wil Parsons and Matty Parrish are unavailable, so I have decided that Brendan deserves his chance in First Grade. Nick Rhodes, another Reserve Grade player who made his debut at Byron Bay, also keeps his place in the defence," Beardow said.

"Tyler Szczerbanik will replace Matty, who we will miss. Tyler will have a job to do and will have to get it done."

Thistles' 2-2 draw at Byron Bay, last year's Premiers, showed a greater intensity from the players than in the shock 3-0 defeat at home to Goonellabah Hornets FC.

"The intensity needs to be the same as against Byron. Ballina have now played four matches in Premier Division and they will know what they have to do to improve," said Beardow.

"We will not be going into the match thinking it will be easy. It never is."

Lismore Thistles' Premiership winning Reserve Grade side will get the ball rolling at John Ryan Field, Thistles Park, at 1pm tomorrow, with the First Grade side to kick off at 3pm.

Football Far North Coast Premier Division Round 5 fixtures

Alstonville 0 Goonellabah Hornets 4

Lismore Thistles v Ballina, John Ryan Field, Thistles Park, 3pm

Bangalow v South Lismore, Jeff Schneider Field, Banagalow, 3pm

Richmond Rovers v Byron Bay, Neilson Park, East Lismore, Sunday, 2.30pm