ANZAC Cup rivals Alstonville and Goonellabah faced off in the first round of the competition on Sunday afternoon.

After losing to the Hornets in extra time in the 2020 Final, Villa were out to reverse the result and they started strongly.

Villa had the territorial advantage in the opening minutes, with the strong Hornets defence holding firm.

And it was a defender in Nelson Cheli that set up the first goal after 13 minutes, with Aaron Kelly on the end of great lead up work to slot the first goal into the left side.

Nelson Cheli and Jack Scarlett battled strongly all day. Photo: Matthew Barlow

Goonellabah lost captain Chris Clarke after just 19 minutes after he limped off with a leg injury.

The remainder of the first half was a fairly even contest, with both teams dealing with the humidity in their first serious hit out for the year.

Just four minutes into the second half Alstonville striker Jack Scarlett, who has returned from a stint on the Gold Coast, slotted the equaliser.

16 year old debutante Jack Larrescy then gave Villa a 2 - 1 lead, after scoring off a corner, 18 minutes into the second half.

16 year old Jack Larrescy scored on debut. Photo: Matthew Barlow

Goonellabah coaches Michael Primiano and Mick Elliott told the side at the last drinks break that "they needed to fix two things, fix those two things and the game will change."

And change it did.

It started with Wayne Gordon who slotted a goal in front of a vocal Hornets crowd and then acknowledged their applause with a celebratory backflip.

Tom Pitman looks to make a pass to Wayne Gordon on the run. Photo: Matthew Barlow

Locked at 2 all, the game seemed to open up, with both sides attacking in the final 15 minutes, the two sides looking for the win.

And with less than 20 seconds left on the clock, Hornets Josh Yates hit the back of the net to give the home side victory 3 - 2.