Football Far North Coast (FFNC) is the governing body controlling association football on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. The name of the organisation was changed in late 2005 from Soccer Far North Coast in line with the national governing body which changed from Soccer Australia to Football Federation Australia.
FFNC is governed by Northern New South Wales Football, which is one of two organisations governing state level association football (soccer) in New South Wales (the other being Football New South Wales). There are nine senior men's leagues, from the Premier League to League Seven and six senior women's leagues â Women's Premier League to League Five. The top league controlled by Football Far North Coast is the Premier League, of which 10 teams currently compete. The team who finishes last in the Premier League is usually relegated to the men's Championship League.
In 2024, there are currently 25 clubs registered through Football Far North Coast. These clubs, and the highest league they participate in, are located below.
Like 2020 the 2021 season was impacted by COVID-19 with the number of fixtures reduced and finals cancelled.
In April South Lismore won their first ANZAC Day Cup, defeating Byron Bay 3-1 in the final. It was an emotional win for South Lismore as Cameron Hyde their much-loved former coach had died in the week leading up to the game. Goalscorers for South Lismore were Murray Towner (2) and Bodhi Estreich with Diego Vazquez slotting home a late penalty for Byron Bay. Harrison Armstrong (South Lismore) was named player of the match.
Also in April Byron Bay won the Callan McMillan Memorial Shield, defeating Lennox Head 2-0 in the final. Ali Dean (Byron Bay) was named player of the match.
In August the men's premiership was postponed due to COVID-19, and in September following advice from the NSW government that community sport wouldn't be able to recommence it was announced that the season had concluded. Given the circumstances it was a miracle that 16 of the 18-game season was played, although the finals were cancelled meaning there were no grand final winners.
It was a triumphant return to coaching for Brian Bugden, former Richmond Rovers coach and player who led the rejuvenated club from last in a COVID-shortened 2020 season to their 10th Premier League premiership. Bugden was named Premier League coach of the year.
The commencement of fixtures for the 2020 season was delayed until July by the COVID-19 pandemic and the season reduced to 10 games, with clubs playing up to 3 games per week to fit in the shortened season.
In December 2019 Byron Bay announced Belinda Wilson, former Brisbane Roar W-League and Young Matildas coach would coach the Byron Bay Premier Division side for the 2020 season. This was the first time a female coach had been appointed to an FFNC Premier Division club.
Maclean made a return to Premier League after last playing in FFNC competitions in 2007.
In September Goonellabah won their 5th ANZAC Day Cup, beating Alstonville 2-1 after extra time (1-1 at full-time) in a dramatic game at Crawford Park, Alstonville. For Goonellabah Chris Clarke slotted home a penalty in the first half. Jesse Fryer equalised for Alstonville with a brilliant strike from 25 metres with 10 minutes of normal time remaining. Just 3 minutes into extra-time, Reggie Sharp scored to give Goonellabah a 2âÂÂ1 lead, and despite sustained Alstonville pressure, Goonellabah held on to win the ANZAC Cup.
South Lismore won their second Premier League premiership, losing just once to Bangalow. South Lismore's previous premiership was in 1993 when they won the premiership-Cyril Mayo Cup double. The seasons quiet achievers were Alstonville who made the finals for the first time since 2014 and by coming 3rd achieved their highest-ever placing, surpassing their 4th place in 1986.
There is evidence of "soccer enthusiasts" from the Oakland area meeting at Muldoon's Hotel in June 1911 to form a football association.
The first known game played under the British Association rules saw Oakland defeat Coraki on Saturday 8 July 1911.
The first football club formed in the Lismore area was the Lismore Athletic Football Club which was formed at the Lismore School of Arts in May 1914. The first game of football featuring a side from Lismore was played in June 1914 when students from the Wollongbar Experiment Farm played Lismore Athletic Soccer Club at the farm. The Lismore Athletic team was:
The officials for the game were Mr Priestly (referee) and Mr R Hatt (linesman).
The first Lismore club (it's possible that the Lismore Athletic Soccer Club of 1914 was a team only) was established in April 1932 at a meeting at the Golden Globe rooms. At that meeting, it was noted the club had 34 players and "the support of prominent Lismore citizens, including representatives of two churches"; Canon Moore (Church of England) and Reverend Parker (Presbyterian). The club adopted club colours of red and blue shirts and white shorts, and decided to enter a team in Bangalow's Association premiership competition that was initially supposed to include 6 teams:
Only 3 teams nominated for the initial competition of the Northern Rivers Soccer Football Association with additional teams from Lismore, Ballina and McLeans Ridges being invited to compete in the end of season knockout competition:
In May 1932 Lismore announced they had rented "An area of land at the corner of Diadem and Magellan streets" for use as a home ground.
The first game in the competition was played at Bangalow on Saturday, 14 May 1932 with Bangalow defeating Lismore 3âÂÂ1. The teams were:
New clubs were formed in Lismore in May and Casino in July 1932. The new Lismore club was probably called Lismore City.
In July 1932 an Association Cup competition attracted 6 teams: Bangalow, Lismore City, Casino, Dyraaba, Lismore & Federal.
Football continued being played on a social basis and then on a more organised basis for the Le Clare Cup until 1939.
Association Football in the Lismore district was revived after a 10-year hiatus in early 1949 by Constable Ossie (Oscar) Pomroy, a local policeman and Jack Connolly, a repatriation representative. Pomroy had played association football with the Police team in the Sydney competition. On Saturday 30 April 1949 the first competition game for 1949 was played at Lismore Recreation Ground between two under-16 teams; Brisbane Telegraph Rangers and Lismore Boysâ Hostel. In May 1949 a club was formed in Casino. The first senior game of the season was played at Lismore Recreation Ground on Saturday 28 May between a Lismore team and a Casino team with Lismore winning 4âÂÂ1. The Casino team featured former Dutch international, Jack Dalmeyer. In June 1949 the Lismore and District Soccer Football Association, a predecessor to the current Football Far North Coast, was formed. The inaugural office bearers were:
The under-16 competition played for the Wilcher Cup donated by Wilcher's Dye Works of Keen Street, Lismore with 12 teams from 7 clubs competing:
North Lismore Hotspurs were the inaugural winners of the Wilcher Cup with South Lismore Celtic winning the junior cup final.
In seniors 5 teams participated in the competition:
Lismore City were the winners of the Challenge Cup which appears to have been the equivalent of the grand final, beating Casino 5âÂÂ1 in the final. In September 1949 a Far North Coast representative team played Corinthians, the 1949 Brisbane soccer premiers. The game was played at Lismore Recreation Grounds, with Corinthians winning 7âÂÂ1.
Source: At a meeting in February 1950 Eastwood United was established comprising 2 junior teams (Under 14 and 18) and 1 senior team. It was agreed that club colours would be red shirts with white collars, pockets and sleeves, white shorts and red and white socks. The inaugural elected officials were:
The 1950 Arthur Brand Cup final between Eastwood United and Casino Rebels was played on Saturday, 9 September at the Lismore Recreation Ground (Recreation Ground Number 1). The game was of a high standard with Eastwood United winning 2âÂÂ1 after extra time and being presented with the cup by Arthur Brand. Casino Rebels protested the result to the Lismore District Soccer Football Association (LDSFA) on the grounds that the refereeing of Mr Des Hyde had not been up to standard, and demanded a replay. In particular, it was reported Casino Rebels players 'began to leave the field when a goal ... (by their captain, Stan Pendrigh) ... was disallowed' and the legitimacy of Eastwood United's winning goal which had been scored direct from an indirect free-kick. The LDSFA upheld (supported) Casino Rebels protest and directed the final be replayed at Casino on Saturday, 23 September. Mr Stan Jarrett, the Secretary of the LDSFA resigned in protest at the decision. Eastwood United refused to play the re-match so the matter was referred to the NSW Soccer Association.
The re-match was eventually played at Casino on Saturday 30 September with Casino Rebels winning 2âÂÂ0. The NSW Soccer Association ruled the 'referee's decision was final' (in relation to the first game) and as a consequence, the LDSFA decided Eastwood United would hold the cup for the next 12 months. So whilst Casino Rebels won the 1950 Brand Cup Final, Eastwood United had possession of the cup.
The Casino Rebels team for the re-match was:
The Eastwood United squad for the re-match was:
Source:
The Brand Cup donated by Arthur Brand, a local pharmacist, was an end-of-season competition played on a knock-out basis. The 1951 Brand Cup final was between North Lismore Marauders and Methodist United. The first game, played on Saturday 25 August, was abandoned at 5:45 pm due to bad light after more than 2 hours play. The teams had played 90 minutes of normal time, and 2 sets of 20 minutes extra time. The score was 2-all at full time and 2-all when the game was abandoned. Goalscorers for North Lismore Marauders were S Miles and Cyril Mayo, whilst A Watson scored both goals for Methodist United. The game attracted more than 1,000 and possibly up to 1,500 fans with gate proceeds of more than 100 pounds being donated to the North Coast Children's Home.
The replay was played on Saturday 15 September. Both clubs made changes with North Lismore Marauders bringing in forwards Dirk Brouwer and Bill Owens, and Methodist United including local baseball star Reg Baxter. Owens, who had been called up for army training was given special leave to play and flown in specially for the game. North Lismore Marauders won the replay 3âÂÂ1 and their only-ever trophy in Lismore football history. Goalscorers for North Lismore Marauders were ironically, Bill Owens (2) and Dirk Brouwer, whilst Allan Halls scored for Methodist United.
In March 1951 following a decision by the Lismore District Soccer Association to limit its boundaries to a radius of 25 miles from the Lismore Post Office, there were murmurings of a breakaway association centred on Casino. The proposed new association would encompass juniors and up to 7 senior teams: Casino (2), Bonalbo (2), Mallanganee, Dyraaba and Kyogle.
In July 1950 the Caledonians club from Brisbane visited Lismore to play the Far North Coast representative side. Cliff Burrows, a member of the Caledonians side was so impressed by Lismore that he returned to live there. Burrows, originally from the Leeds area in England, played for Eastwood United from 1950 to 1953 and was captain of the Church of Christ Crusaders side in 1954. Burrows was good enough to play for the Lismore City and Lismore representative sides against the Sutherland Shire Casuals and Grafton in 1954. Burrows also refereed.
In June 1954 Burrows was elected secretary of the Lismore District Soccer Association (LDSA) following the resignation of Mr Allan Halls. In September the same year, tragedy struck when Burrows drowned whilst surfing at Ballina Lighthouse Beach. Burrows was buried at Lismore Memorial Gardens on Skyline Road, Goonellabah.
The LDSA opened a fund to condition his grave and provide a suitable epitaph. In September 1955 a memorial was unveiled at Burrows' grave.
In July 1957 a team described in the local press as the Chinese national team but actually Eastern Athletic from Hong Kong visited Lismore to play a Lismore District Soccer Association XI. This was the first time an International or State side had visited the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Eastern Athletic were a good side; in the week before playing the Lismore XI they drew 2-all with Australia and beat Queensland 5âÂÂ3 in Brisbane.
The week leading up to the game was marred by injury. Firstly, the referee assigned to the game, Allan Halls from Lismore, was concussed in a car accident and there was some doubt he would take charge of the match. Secondly, Bill Smith the captain and central defender of the Lismore XI was injured playing for his club, Eastwood United the weekend before the game, and forced to withdraw. Bill Mullins of Grafton replaced Smith as captain.
Eastern Athletic soundly defeated the Lismore XI 6âÂÂ0 at Oakes Oval, Lismore after it was 4âÂÂ0 at half-time. The visitors put on a "display of precision football" on "a wet, slippery ground" with a "greasy ball" in front of a crowd of 1,500 ("the largest crowd ever to see soccer on the Northern Rivers") paying ã300. According to the local newspaper the best players for the Lismore XI were R Parkhouse, Bill Mullins, Eric Moss (the youngest player in the team at 17 years of age), Charlie Kostic & L Orchard.
The Lismore XI, selected from the Lismore region and including players from Grafton and Casino was:
The match officials were:
Eastern Athletic exists to this day, re-badged as Eastern Sports Club and currently playing in the Hong Kong Premier League.
On Friday 31 January 1958 a meeting was held at the Boy's Hostel in Lismore to form a new club to play in Lismore & District Soccer Football Association competitions.
The meeting appointed Warren Bancroft as chairman. Others present at the meeting were to become stalwarts of the Lismore Thistles club including John Ryan, Barry Neaves, Lance Goldsmith, Nooky Lavis and Jim Rixon.
The meeting also agreed on:
In 1958, Lismore Thistles first season it had 1 team with twenty registered players playing in the First Division.
In 1960 Goonellabah Stars won the treble of ANZAC Cup, premiership and grand final (or Championship for the Cyril Mayo Memorial Cup). Goonellabah Stars beat Lismore Thistles 4âÂÂ3 in the grand final to win the Cyril Mayo Memorial Cup; the goalscorers being Goonellabah Stars â E Scurr, Earle McPherson, Athol Parmenter and Bill Harris (Captain), and for Lismore Thistles â R Lavis 3 goals. This was the third time in succession Goonellabah Stars had won the Cyril Mayo Memorial Cup since its donation in 1958.
In 1961 Irishman Bill Harris left Goonellabah Stars, the most successful club in the competition, to form a new club; Richmond Rovers. Harris' motivation was to "foster younger players ... create more interest in the code by expanding the competition, which he saw as lopsided due to Goonellabah Stars dominance". Harris was a former Irish schoolboy representative and English 1st Division player who had moved to Lismore in 1957 via Melbourne (where he played for Slavia).
Richmond Rovers became the 5th team in the Senior competition joining Casino Rovers, Eastwood United, Goonellabah Stars and Lismore Thistles. In their first game, an ANZAC Cup-tie, Richmond Rovers were beaten 7âÂÂ0 by Lismore Thistles and in their first fixture game were beaten 2âÂÂ1 by Casino Rovers. In its first season Richmond Rovers also fielded 2 junior teams; an Under-16 and an Under-14.
Members of the original Richmond Rovers side were: John Gava, Carl Ross, J Handley, David Flynn, D Cassis, M Bright, John Morrissey, Bill Harris, John Serone, G Perkins, John Farry (goalkeeper), Doug Edwards, Theo Donaldson, Barry Neaves and Arthur Maloney.
In May and June 1961 the Fijian national team toured the Eastern States of Australia and played regional and State teams including a North Coast team at Oakes Oval, Lismore.
On Sunday 4 June in "greasy, treacherous conditions" the Fijians were "too fast" for the locals, winning 8âÂÂ2 after it was 5âÂÂ0 at half-time. Jim Smith scored both goals for the North Coast. Officials voted R Helmond, the North Coast goalkeeper as the best of the local players, whilst the local newspaper also praised Eddie Laycock (right back) and Jim Smith (centre forward). The game was watched by a crowd of 2,500
The local newspaper noted the North Coast captain Bill Harris (born in Northern Ireland) was the only North Coast player not born in Australia. The team included 8 players from Lismore, 2 from Murwillumbah and 1 from Macksville:
The Fijians played 15 games on tour, winning 8, drawing 1 and losing 6 whilst scoring 76 goals and conceding 65. Some of the games against regional sides were cricket scores: Fiji 14 â Riverina 0 (in Wagga Wagga), Fiji 12 â Goulburn Districts 1 (in Goulburn), Fiji 9 â Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 2 (in Griffith).
Goonellabah Stars, sometimes referred to as Goonellabah Gold Stars were established in 1949 and were part of the revival of football in the Lismore district after a 10-year absence. In its first season Goonellabah Stars fielded a senior team and an Under 16 team in the Wilcher Cup competition. Goonellabah Stars were the dominant club during their 17 years in senior competitions, with some of the region's best players and winning honours on 26 occasions:
In 1966 Goonellabah Stars seniors suddenly disappeared, although they continued as a junior club.
In their first season in 1949 Goonellabah Stars went trophyless coming 4th in the premiership (in a 5-team competition) and getting knocked out of the finals series by Lismore City. Players in the 1949 season included: K Packham (captain), J Teale, N Manitta, C Wagner, J Roach, L White, L Duff, N Adams, R Allen, A Andrews, K Bryant, J Doyle, R Packham, A Baker.
1953 â final table â seniors
In 1963 Goonellabah Stars won their 9th premiership by 1 point from Lismore Thistles. Goonellabah Stars clinched the premiership in the last round of fixtures, beating last-placed Wallaroos 4-2 after Goonellabah Stars were trailing 2-1 until midway through the second half. A goal by 16-year old Robbie Donaldson (making his senior debut) and 2 late goals by Earl McPherson gave Goonellabah Stars the win and the premiership. Goalscorers for Goonellabah Stars were Earl McPherson (hat-trick) and Robbie Donaldson and for Wallaroos J Battese and Geoff Gray.
1963 â final table â 1st Division
1964 â final table â seniors
<nowiki>*</nowiki> The Eastwood United team walked-off the field in the 40th minute of the first half after 3 of their players had been sent-off by the referee Jack Pressick in the 30th minute of play. At the time of the walk-off Lismore Thistles were leading 2âÂÂ0.
In 1970 5 teams from 4 clubs competed in Lismore District Soccer Association's senior competition; Eastwood United, Italo Stars, Lismore Thistles A, Lismore Thistles B and Richmond Rovers. In 1971 a Reserve Grade competition was established to give a surplus of senior players a game in the absence of any lower divisions or alternative clubs to the 4 existing Lismore clubs.
The inaugural Reserve Grade competition comprised 5 teams; Casino, Eastwood United, Italo Stars, Lismore Thistles B and Lismore Thistles Green. The first Reserve Grade premiers and grand final winners were Lismore Thistles B who defeated Eastwood United 6âÂÂ2 in the grand final replay after the first grand final was locked at 3-all after extra time.
The final table, finals results and goalscorers for the 1971 Reserve Grade competition:
In 1974 Lismore Thistles created a new record by winning their 5th consecutive Cyril Mayo Cup for winning the grand final. In doing so Lismore Thistles became masters of the finals knock-out format because only once during this period did they win the premiership (in 1973). Lismore Thistles' record was equalled by Italo Stars when they won 5 consecutive Cyril Mayo Cups from 1977 to 1981.
Eastwood United won the 1970 premiership their 6th premiership.
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Italo Stars Reserves withdrew from the competition in early-June. All games after their withdrawal have been recorded as a win for their opponent and a 0-0 scoreline.
The 1971 A-Grade grand final was both history-making and constitution-changing. Under Lismore District Soccer Association rules of the time it was not possible to have joint champions (grand final winners).
The 1971 A-Grade premiers in a 4-team competition were Eastwood United by 1 point from Lismore Thistles A. The grand final was replayed twice before a winner could be found and was described as a "marathon" and the "longest grand final in the history of Lismore soccer":
The Lismore District Soccer Association committee met after the second draw (and 4 hours and 10 minutes of play) to decide whether to replay the grand final or declare Lismore Thistles A and Eastwood United joint champions. Voting was deadlocked and the then Association president, Jim Underhill used his casting vote to support a replay. As Underhill explained after the meeting, it was unconstitutional to have joint champions.
Incredibly on Saturday, 11 September (between the 1st and 2nd grand final replays) Eastwood United played Italo Stars in the final of the Ampol Silver Ball, winning 5âÂÂ2. Goalscorers were John Orchard, Dick Morrissey, Dick Latta (2) and Peter Irwin for Eastwood United and Robby Pollock and John Percival for Italo Stars. Eastwood United also won the 1971 ANZAC Cup beating Lismore Thistles A 5âÂÂ2 in the final. Goalscorers were Peter Keyes (2), Bob Kennedy and Jim Matthews (2) for Eastwood United and Gary Thompson and Bob Lavis for Lismore Thistles.
The 1972 season was a year of growth for the Lismore District Soccer Association with a number of new, existing and former clubs being admitted to its competitions. Total player registrations reached 1,681 (120 teams) including 1,435 juniors and 246 seniors. This compared with the Lismore-based Richmond River Junior Rugby League which had 1,250 registered junior players.
In March Richmond Rovers defeated Tumbulgum 1âÂÂ0 in a women's game and is the first evidence of women's football on the Northern Rivers. A women's competition would be established by the Lismore District Soccer Association in 1974.
New clubs
Existing clubs
Former clubs
The A-Grade and Reserve Grade competitions were renamed Division 1 and Division 2 respectively. The number of Division 1 teams increased by 2 to 6 with the admission of South Lismore and Lismore Thistles fielding 2 teams and the number of Division 2 clubs increased by 5 (Casino United, Casino Rovers, Goonellabah, Lismore Teachers College and Nimbin returning after an absence of some years) to make a 10-team competition.
The Division 1 trophies were shared around:
The grand final teams were:
Division 2 trophies were won by:
In 1973 Lismore Thistles won the premiership-grand final double; their 5th premiership and 5th Cyril Mayo Cup after entering senior competitions in 1958. 1973 was their 4th Cyril Mayo Cup (grand final) victory in a row.
Lismore Thistles won the premiership easily from Italo Stars, who were at least 7 points behind. It's unclear the final margin as Italo Stars-Eastwood United's last fixture of the season was forfeited, but it's unclear which club forfeited.
Lismore Thistles lost just once (to Italo Stars 3âÂÂ0) and drew three times (Richmond Rovers 3-3, Eastwood United 1-1 and 2-2) during the 1973 season:
<nowiki>*</nowiki> The Italo Stars-Eastwood United fixture scheduled to be played 1 September was forfeited, but it's unclear which club forfeited.
Sources:
In May 1972 Dundee FC toured Australia and New Zealand. On that tour they played Australia in Adelaide (Dundee FC won 2âÂÂ1), NSW (Dundee FC won 6âÂÂ1) and Queensland (Dundee FC won 9âÂÂ0).
Dundee FC played a Northern Rivers representative side at Oakes Oval, Lismore on Wednesday night 24 May 1972. A crowd of more than 4,000 saw Dundee FC beat the locals 16âÂÂ1 (8âÂÂ0 at half-time). Some of the adjectives used to describe Dundee FC's performance were "world class" and "incredible". Goal scorers for Dundee FC were Jocky Scott (5), John Gray (3), John Duncan (2), Ian Scott, Bobby Wilson, Duncan Lambie, Doug Houston, Gordon Wallace and George Stewart. The Northern Rivers goal was scored by Gordon Bryant near full-time. Two awards were made to Northern Rivers players after the game â Dick Latta (Lismore Sports & Toy Centre award) and Phillip Bawden (All-Round Sports Centre (Sydney) award).
The Northern Rivers squad for this game was:
Two players were forced to withdraw from the squad in the week leading up to the game due to injury; Ian Monaghan and Kevin Lollback.
Jack Pressick, Secretary of the Northern Rivers Soccer Federation, was the driving force in arranging this game. Pressick, having noted that Dundee FC's itinerary had one unconfirmed date and venue, contacted the Australian Soccer Federation and suggested a match at Lismore. Pressick's suggestion was wholeheartedly supported provided Dundee FC's asking price of $4,500 could be guaranteed. Pressick and Jim Underhill, President of the Lismore District Soccer Association raised the funds from local businesses and businessmen.
In May 1974 the Lismore District Soccer Association approved its first women's competition. Six teams nominated including:
The historic first game in a 10-game season was played on Saturday, 25 May 1974 at Richmond River High School with CAE/Teacher's College beating Lismore Thistles 3âÂÂ0. Goalscorers for CAE/Teacher's College were D Allen, L Worland and G Schubert.
From 1977 to 1981 Italo Stars won every Cyril Mayo Cup (for winning the grand final) and in doing so equalled Lismore Thistles record of 5 successive Cyril Mayo Cups (from 1970 to 1974). During this 5-year period Italo Stars also won every ANZAC Cup and 2 premierships in 1977 and 1978:
In September 1980 a Lismore side played Wellington (New Zealand) at Oakes Oval. The Wellington side included 4 New Zealand internationals; Barry Pickering (goalkeeper who made the New Zealand squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain), Keith Barton (defender), Jeff Strom (defender) and Michael Simeonoff (midfielder). The weekend before the Lismore game, Wellington beat Clarence Valley 5âÂÂ0 in Grafton before a crowd of 300. Wellington defeated Lismore 4âÂÂ0, the goalscorers being Paul Vanderbreggen and Costa Leonadis (hat-trick).
The Lismore squad and officials for the game were:
After being formed as a junior club in 1969, Goonellabah first entered a senior team in the 1972 Division 2 competition, coming 2nd last. In 1982 they came 2nd last in First Division. 1983 would be a break-out year as they won the ANZAC Cup and 1st Division premiership for the first time with virtually the same team as 1982.
In April Goonellabah won their first ANZAC Cup 1âÂÂ0 against Eastwood United with Robert Pearce scoring with full-time looming.
The 1983 premiership was a season-long race between Goonellabah and the defending premiers Eastwood United. Going into the final round the Armin Sandmann coached Goonellabah led by 2 points needing a win against 3rd-placed Lismore Thistles to be certain of their first premiership. Goonellabah won 1-0 (goalscorer â Andy Acton) making Eastwood United's 9-1 thrashing of South Lismore inconsequential.
Eastwood United had revenge when they defeated Goonellabah 3âÂÂ0 in the major semi-final, the goalscorers being John Wraights, Ken McPherson and Dennis Wiblen. Goonellabah's season came to an end when beaten 1-0 by Lismore Thistles in the preliminary final, the goalscorer being Neil Harris. The Jack Jarvis coached Eastwood United won their 8th grand final defeating Lismore Thistles 2âÂÂ0 at a windy Oakes Oval, the goalscorers being Darren Laycock and John Wraights.
1984 was a year of change with the Lismore District Soccer Association and its committees being replaced by a company, Lismore & District Soccer Pty Ltd and elected board members with responsibility for administering soccer in the Lismore region. In addition two Lismore-based clubs, Italo Stars and South Lismore merged to create a new club, Souths Stars United. Souths Stars United had immediate success, winning the 1984 ANZAC Cup and First Division premiership.
In the ANZAC Cup Souths Stars United defeated Eastwood United 2âÂÂ1 at Oakes Oval in front of 400 fans and after almost 2 hours of play. Midway through the first half Souths Stars United's Brett Towner pounced on a defensive mix-up to give Souths Stars a 1-0 half-time lead. Eastwood United equalised late in the second half thanks to a Ken McPherson penalty, making it 1-all at full-time. In the first period of extra-time Kevin Wilson headed home the winner to clinch the trophy. Man of the match, selected by referee Dean Mohammed and linesmen Dick Morrissey and Ted Cavanagh, was Brett Towner of Souths Stars United.
The First Division premiership was a two-club race between Souths Stars United and Eastwood United with Souths Stars taking out the trophy by 3 points:
During the 1985 season Eastwood United became a member of the Lismore Workers Club Sports Trust and from 1 June their senior teams were re-badged as Lismore Workers Soccer Club. To avoid confusion Eastwood United's 10 junior teams retained the Eastwood United name until the 1986 season. Eastwood United joined 18 other sporting clubs including the rugby league club in joining the Lismore Workers Sports Trust.
Lismore Workers Soccer Club retained the same executive as that previously elected at its annual general meeting:
Eastwood United were defending champions having beaten Souths Stars United on penalties after extra time (2-all at full-time and 3-all after extra time) in the 1984 grand final. Goalscorers in the 1984 grand final were Ken McPherson (2) and Dave Condon for Eastwood United and Hugh Naisby, Peter Jenson and Wayne Storti for Souths Stars United. However, in 1985 Lismore Workers came second to undefeated premiers Lismore Thistles and made the grand final against Lismore Thistles after a new and confusing finals format in which the top 6 teams played 4 semi-final rounds.
In the Lismore Real Estate Premier Division grand final Lismore Thistles completed the 1985 season undefeated and won their 9th championship, beating Lismore Workers 1âÂÂ0 with a first half goal by Tony Roder.
In 1986 Richmond Rovers celebrated 25 years. To add to the celebrations they won the 1986 Premier Division (the Lismore Real Estate Premier Division) premiership and grand final. These were their 2nd premiership (the first was in 1975) and 3rd championship (previous championships were in 1964 and 1975).
Richmond Rovers was established by Bill Harris in 1961 and in their first season fielded 3 teams; a senior men's team and 2 junior teams. By 1986 Richmond Rovers had grown to 22 teams; 5 men's teams, 2 women's teams and 15 junior teams.
Richmond Rovers comfortably won the 10-team premiership by 7 points from a logjam of teams equal on 33 points and only separated by goal difference including Maclean, Lismore Thistles and Alstonvilla:
Richmond Rovers took the hard route to the grand final, being beaten 3âÂÂ0 in the major semi-final by Lismore Thistles at Oakes Oval (Goalscorers â Phillip Hicks, Steve Morrissey, Mick Riley) before overcoming Mullumbimby 2-1 after extra time in the preliminary final. Mullumbimby scored in the 1st half with a goal by Sulcs and led until deep into the 2nd half before a late Stephen Bugden goal forced the game into extra time. Ian Brown scored Richmond Rovers winner in extra time to give them a grand final berth against Lismore Thistles at Oakes Oval.
The grand final at Oakes Oval was deadlocked 1-all at full-time after first half goals from an Ian Brown header for Richmond Rovers and a Steve Morrissey equaliser for Lismore Thistles. In extra time Richmond Rovers' captain John Bugden hammered home the winner for a perfect finale to their 25th anniversary celebrations.
The squads and coaches for the grand final were:
<nowiki>*</nowiki> The final game of the season, a deferred game between Lismore Workers and Grafton wasn't played by mutual agreement
South Lismore established its first senior team in 1972 when they entered the old Division 1 finishing 2nd last in a 6-team competition.
In 1992 South Lismore came 2nd to premiers Lismore Thistles in Premier Division. In their first grand final appearance South Lismore were beaten 2-1 by Lismore Thistles after extra time in the grand final replay after the first game ended 0-0 after extra time.
In 1993 the John Percival coached South Lismore won the Premier Division premiership-grand final double. After winning the premiership for the first (and so far only) time by a point from Lismore Workers after a dramatic final round they won the grand final in similarly dramatic fashion when they defeated Lismore Workers 2-1 after extra time.
Going into the last round of fixtures Lismore Workers were leading South Lismore by a point. In the last round Lismore Workers drew 1âÂÂ1 with second last-placed Italo Stars and South Lismore defeated Goonellabah 2âÂÂ0 to win their first ever premiership. The final table was:
South Lismore lost the major semi-final to Lismore Workers 2-1 after extra time before beating Goonellabah 1-0 (Goalscorer â Bruce Mourhaus) after extra time in the preliminary final to make their second successive Premier Division grand final.
The grand final was played under lights at Oakes Oval. Lismore Workers took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal by Tony Marquart. With 2 minutes of normal time remaining Brett Towner scored for South Lismore to force the game into extra time. During extra time a free kick from Troy Percival (South Lismore) was blocked by Lismore Workers' goalkeeper Graham Nesbitt into the path of Brett Towner who scored to give South Lismore a 2âÂÂ1 win and their first grand final success.
The South Lismore squad for the grand final was:
In 1997 Casino won their first grand final and became the first club from outside Lismore to win the Cyril Mayo Cup for the Premier Division championship in almost 50 years. The long-defunct Casino Rebels won the inaugural grand final and the Arthur Brand Cup in 1950 in a disputed grand final replay against Eastwood United.
In 1997 Casino finished on equal points with Lismore Workers (their 14th premiership including 10 as Eastwood United) but second on goal difference in the 12-team Premier Division:
In the major preliminary semi-final Casino defeated Goonellabah 1âÂÂ0 at a packed Oakes Oval thanks to a Ken Reichmann chip over Goonellabah's goalkeeper Paul Hickey. This game was played as a curtain-raiser to a pre-season Ericcson Cup (National Soccer League) game between Brisbane Strikers and Marconi which attracted more than 5,000 fans.
In the major semi-final at Weston Park, Casino defeated Lismore Workers 1âÂÂ0 with a first half goal by Dave Hood, and made history by reaching their first ever grand final. Lismore Workers reached the grand final after defeating Goonellabah 1âÂÂ0 in the preliminary final after a 108th minute extra time goal by Glen Gilchrist.
The grand final between Casino and Lismore Workers was played at a water-logged Oakes Oval. A wild storm including rain, wind and thunder forced the players off the field after 10 minutes of play. After a 40-minute break the players returned to a drenched surface. Casino scored first when sweeper Stewart Coughran drove a free-kick from just outside the penalty box, around the wall and past goalkeeper Justin Marks. Soon after scoring Coughran was stretchered off with an ankle injury, briefly returned but was substituted before half-time and played no further part in the game. With 15 minutes remaining Paul Wiltshire made it 2âÂÂ0 to Casino when he scored with a "venomous" shot from 20 metres. With 5 minutes to go Lismore Workers scored with a Brad Bosworth headed goal from a corner. But Casino held on to win the grand final 2âÂÂ1. The player of the match was Casino's Wayne Mortimer.
The squads, coaches and support staff for the grand final were:
In November 1997 the Matildas played China at Oakes Oval, Lismore as part of a Tri-Series involving China, New Zealand and Australia.
A crowd of more than 3,000 saw the Chinese team win 3âÂÂ0 with the 3 first half goals, the goalscorers being Shui Qingxia, Sun Qingmei and Zhao Lihong. The local press were glowing of the Chinese team ... their "silken touch, ... superb ball skills, such a desire to be the best".
The game was historic because it was the first game China had played in Australia, and for the inclusion of Lismore local Lisa Casagrande in the Australian team. Casagrande was replaced late in the first half due to calf cramps.
In the curtain-raiser the Soccer Far North Coast Under-16 girls team defeated the Coffs Harbour Under-16 girls team 4âÂÂ1. Goalscorers for Soccer Far North Coast were Martene Edwards (2), Amy Brown and Olivia Brisby with Katrina Byrnes scoring for Coffs Harbour.
The winner of the Matilda for a Day competition run by The Northern Star newspaper including a Matildas playing strip, match ball and spending game day with the team was Kym Butts of South Gundurimba.
In 1999 Maclean re-wrote FFNC record books by becoming the first club from outside Lismore to win the top grade premiership in its 51-year history. Maclean and Goonellabah finished equal on points, with Maclean's superior goal difference clinching their first premiership.
The 1999 premier division finals (for the Cyril Mayo Cup) were reduced to 4 teams due to time constraints and ground unavailability following a wet season where many games were washed out.
In January 2001 the Matildas played France at Oakes Oval, Lismore. This was the second time the Matildas had played in Lismore, having played China at Oakes Oval in November 1997.
This was the second game in the 3 match Australia Cup series; the first game being played at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium and the final game at Carrara Stadium.
A crowd of 2,350 saw a hard, physical game end in a 1âÂÂ1 draw. The Matildas took a late lead when in the 86th minute Kim Revell latched onto a through ball from Sharon Black and slipped her shot past the French goalkeeper. France equalised soon after in the 88th minute when Stephanie Mugneret Beghe blasted home after a cut-back from the bye-line.
The curtain-raiser between Soccer Far North Coast Under-17's and New England Under-17's also ended in a 1âÂÂ1 draw. The goalscorer for Soccer Far North Coast was Hollie Jarrett after great lead-up play by Megan Janezic. Samantha Dowse of Goonellabah won the Matilda For A Day competition run The Northern Star newspaper which included a Matildas playing strip, match ball and spending the day with the Matildas.
From 2007 to 2011 Richmond Rovers won 10 of the 15 trophies on offer in Premier League and dominated the competition and opposition clubs:
In doing so Richmond Rovers won the treble (ANZAC Shield, premiership and grand final) in 2008 and 2009 and the premiership-Grand final double in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
<nowiki>*</nowiki> 9 point penalty for crowd misbehavior at the 2007 grand final
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In 1987 in their first and until 2016 only grand final appearance Bangalow were convincingly beaten 4-1 by Richmond Rovers. Bangalow had made the grand final from 4th place, beating Alstonvilla (1-0, Goalscorer â Robert Parks), Ballina (2-0, Goalscorer â Paul Clarke (2)) and Lismore Thistles (1-0, Goalscorer â Robert Parks (penalty)).
In 2016 Bangalow won the Premier Division grand final 1âÂÂ0 against the premiers Goonellabah, to win their first and so far only title.
In 2017 Byron Bay won its first ever treble (ANZAC Shield, premiership & Cyril Mayo Cup) and in doing so became the 8th team to achieve the feat.
In April Byron Bay won the ANZAC Shield beating Richmond Rovers 2âÂÂ1 in the final at Oakes Oval. Aaron Walker scored both goals for Byron Bay before being sent-off in the 89th minute, whilst Kurt Walker scored for Richmond Rovers in the 65th minute. Joel Wood of Byron Bay was named player of the match.
Byron Bay won the premiership by 2 points from Richmond Rovers, losing only once during the season, a round 17 home loss to Richmond Rovers 1âÂÂ2. This defeat meant that Byron Bay had to win their final fixture away to Alstonville to secure the premiership. A 5âÂÂ2 win ensured Byron Bay's 4th premiership.
The Cyril Mayo Cup (grand final) between Byron Bay and defending champions Bangalow was history-making, being contested for the first time ever by 2 clubs from the Byron Shire. It was also the first time since 2001 that both grand finalists were from outside Lismore (in 2001 Maclean defeated Byron Bay in the Cyril Mayo Cup final). And for the first time since 2009 when the grand final was played at Crozier Field; the grand final wasn't played at Oakes Oval due to refurbishments. The game was played at Lismore Workers' home ground, Richards Oval in Lismore. A 10-man Byron Bay won the grand final 2-1 after Ben Ahearn was sent off in the 16th minute and extra time thanks to a double by player-of-the match Joel Wood.
South Lismore were promoted to the 2018 Premier Division after winning the 2017 1st Division premiership by beating Ballina 3âÂÂ1 at Saunders Oval, Ballina in the final fixture of the season. Going into that final fixture Ballina led South Lismore by 2 points and draw or win would have been enough for Ballina to be promoted. However goals by Kaine Allan (2) and Steve Morrissey in response to a Ben Coulter goal for Ballina gave South Lismore the win and the premiership. South Lismore won the premiership-grand final double by beating Shores United 3âÂÂ1 in the grand final. South Lismore would be playing in the top division of FFNC competitions for the first time since 2002. South Lismore's 1st Division double was a triumph for their young coach, Cameron Hyde, who overcame a cancer diagnosis to guide his young team back into the Premier Division.
The 2018 season began with the sad realisation that the 2 most successful clubs in FFNC history, Lismore Workers and Italo Stars, would not be competing in Premier Division. Italo Stars were relegated to 1st Division after coming bottom in the 2017 Premier Division competition whilst Lismore Workers voluntarily opted to play in the men's lower divisions. Between them Lismore Workers (46 titles, 28 as Eastwood United and 18 as Lismore Workers) and Italo Stars (33 titles) have won 79 titles. Lismore Workers dropped 5 divisions to Division 5 whilst Italo Stars went back 1 division to 1st Division.
South Lismore returned to the Premier Division in 2018 after a 16-year absence after winning the 2017 1st Division premiership-grand final double. With the return of South Lismore, the self-demotion of Lismore Workers and the relegation of Italo Stars, the 2018 Premier Division competition has 9 clubs, a change from the tradition of 10 or even 12 clubs.
In April Lismore Thistles won their 3rd ANZAC Cup in 6 years and their 8th overall, beating Bangalow 3âÂÂ0 at Crozier Field. Goalscorers were Oscar Stahl, Nick Albertini and Jye Wilson, with Stahl being named player of the match
In May Byron Bay announced that Byron Bay Council had approved its plans for a new clubhouse at its "spiritual home", Byron Recreation Grounds, with the clubhouse expected to be completed in 2019.
In July Richmond Rovers defeated Lennox Head 5âÂÂ0 away and in doing so wrapped up their 9th premiership with 4 games to play in the 16-game home and away season.
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In April Bangalow won their first ANZAC Cup when they defeated Byron Bay 2-1 after extra time at Crozier Field, Lismore. This was their second trophy in FFNC history following their 2016 Cyril Mayo Cup triumph. Sam Ireland scored the winner for Bangalow in extra time after it was 1âÂÂ1 at full-time. Goalscorers during normal time were Byron Milne for Bangalow and Ian McKellow for Byron Bay.
The 2019 Premier Division competition kicked off with just 8 clubs including a promoted Ballina which was found to be uncompetitive, losing all 21 games. Byron Bay won their 5th premiership at Nielson Park, East Lismore on a Wednesday night in August when they thrashed a disappointing Richmond Rovers 5âÂÂ0 in a catch-up game. Byron Bay came from 2nd last after 5 rounds to win their 4th premiership in 6 seasons, winning 14 and losing just 2 of their final 16 fixtures.
South Lismore came second in the premiership but made amends by winning the Cyril Mayo Cup for the first time since their premiership-Cyril Mayo Cup double in 1993. South Lismore defeated premiers Byron Bay 2âÂÂ1 with Noah Coleman scoring twice for South Lismore and winning the Terry Greedy medal for the player of the match. The grand final marked the end of an era with Damon Bell, the Byron Bay coach announcing his retirement during grand final week. During Bell's highly-successful 7-year reign Byron Bay won:
In August FFNC flagged changes to the structure of senior competitions in 2020 aimed at re-invigorating and removing constraints at the top levels:
The 2020 Men's Premier League will have 9 teams including the yet to be confirmed return of Maclean.
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The first ANZAC Cup was played on Tuesday night 25 April 1950 as part of the ANZAC Day Sports Carnival. This carnival featured athletics, cycling, woodchopping, national dancing, rugby league and soccer. The ANZAC Cup was donated in 1949 by the Lismore RSL.
The inaugural ANZAC Cup kicked off at 8-30pm between Methodist United and North Lismore Marauders. In an "evenly contested" game played under "inadequate lighting" Methodist United won 1 â 0 thanks to a goal by M Bell. The teams and officials for the inaugural ANZAC Cup were:
In the early years the Cup was played between the Cup holders and a challenger decided by ballot. The Cup holders only had to draw to retain the Cup. For example, in 1951 the Cup holders Methodist United drew 3âÂÂ3 all with the challengers Eastwood United, and retained the Cup. The date of the Cup also varied in the early years due to "inadequate lighting facilities" although it's now played on ANZAC Day or the weekend before or after ANZAC Day and usually at Oakes Oval, Lismore.
The record for the most ANZAC Cup wins is held by Lismore Workers with 19 (including 9 as Eastwood United). However, the record for the most consecutive wins is held by Italo Stars which won the renamed ANZAC Shield for 9 consecutive years from 1973 to 1981 including 6 wins over the luckless Eastwood United:
Special mention to the powerful Goonellabah Stars side of the 1950s which won their first ANZAC Cup in 1952 and then won it for the next 5 years:
Cyril Mayo emigrated from England as a 17-year-old in the early 1900s and settled in the North Rivers region. Cyril was a competent player for North Lismore and after his playing days took up refereeing.
Cyril was killed in a car crash in 1957. Cyril's wife Lucy commissioned a trophy to remember Cyril's contribution to the game, the Cyril Mayo Cup which has "become the most sought after piece of silverware in local soccer". The cup is awarded to the highest Men's Division grand final winner's also known as Champions. It was first awarded in 1958 to Goonellabah Stars following their 1 â 0 win over Eastwood United at Oakes Oval, Lismore. Ben Nielson was Goonellabah Star's goalscorer.
The cup was originally called the Cyril Mayo Memorial Challenge Cup but in more recent times has been referred to simply and affectionately as "Cyril".
The record for the most number of consecutive Cyril Mayo Cup wins is 5 and is jointly held by:
In 1972 a young Scotsman Callan McMillan Junior left the country of his birth headed for Australia where he eventually settled in Lismore. An avid Glasgow Rangers supporter, Callan was soon involved in local football as a coach and member of the inaugural Far North Coast Amateur Soccer Association Committee in 1977.
Tragedy struck in December 1977 when Callan Junior drowned whilst trying to save a young girl. The local football community rallied to support Callan's family, and in 1978 the Callan McMillan Memorial Shield was struck to commemorate his contribution to the local game. The shield was presented to the winner of the women's knock-out competition.
In 1996 when the North Coast Women's Soccer Association and the Lismore District Soccer Association amalgamated, it was agreed that the shield be incorporated with the men's ANZAC Cup/Shield knockout competition held on ANZAC day.
The following clubs are affiliated with Football Far North Coast:
The following teams were once part of competitions organised by Football Far North Coast and its predecessors:
Women
The treble (Callan McMillan Shield, premiership and grand final in the same season) has been achieved by 5 clubs on at least 10 occasions (unsure of the complete list due to incomplete records):
Men
The treble (ANZAC Cup, premiership and grand final in the same season) has been achieved by 5 clubs on 8 occasions. In 2017, Byron Bay became the first club to win four trophies: the traditional treble plus the Summer Youth League.
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Women's Premier Team of the Year
Men's Premier Team of the Year
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Football Award
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Team of the Year â women's premier
Team of the Year â Men's Premier
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Football
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Team of the Year
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Football Award
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot Awards
FFNC premiership Team of the Year
Women
Men
Referee of the Year (The Glen Gibbs Trophy)
Birmingham Dedication to Football Award
Club Championship
Player of the Year (Premier Division)
Golden Boot
Teams of the Year (Premier Division)
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Football Award
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year (Premier Division)
Golden Boot Awards
Teams of the Year
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Soccer Award
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot Awards
Teams of the Year
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Soccer
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot Awards
Team of the Year
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Soccer
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year (Premier Division)
Golden Boot Award (Premier Division)
Team of the Year (Premier Division)
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Teams of the Year
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Football
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Teams of the Year
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Soccer Award
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Teams of the Year
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Soccer
Club Championship
Player of the Year
Golden Boot Awards
Team of the Year (Premier Division)
Women
Men
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Premier Division Team of the Year (Women)
Premier Division Team of the Year (Men)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Premier Division Team of the Year
Referee of the Year
Birmingham Dedication to Soccer Award
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot Awards
Team of the Year
Men (Premier Division)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Premier Division Team of the Year (Men)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Premier Division Team of the Year (Men)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Player of the Year (Premier League)
Golden Boot (Premier League)
Club Championship
Source:
Player of the Year (Premier League)
Golden Boot (Premier League)
Premier Division Team of the Year (Men)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Player of the Year
Golden Boot Awards
Premier Division Team of the Year (Men)
Referee of the Year
Dedication to Soccer Award
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Premier Division Team of the Year (Men)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Player of the Year (Premier League)
Golden Boot
Premier Division Team of the Year (Men)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Player of the Year (Premier League)
Golden Boot
Premier League Team of the Year
Referee of the Year
Life Membership
Club Championship
Player of the Year (Premier League)
Golden Boot
Team of the Year (Premier League)
Referee of the Year
Dedication to Soccer
Player of the Year
Golden Boot
Coach of the Year
Referee of the Year
Dedication to Soccer
Club Championship
Player of the Year (Premier League)
Golden Boot
Coach of the Year (Premier League)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Player of the Year (Premier League)
Golden Boot
Coach of the Year (Premier League)
Referee of the Year
Club Championship
Player of the Year (Premier League)
Golden Boot
Coach of the Year
Junior Player of the Year
Coach of the Year
Player of the Year (1st Division) â Coleman Trophy
Coach of the Year
Referee of the Year
Source:
Player of the Year â Coleman Trophy & Bert Mullins Prize
Source:
Player of the Year â Coleman Trophy (Inaugural) & George Gooley Award
Team of the Year