Christian Layland
Byron Bay FC have registered their first win in the 2019 Summer Youth League with a strong 2–0 victory against a well-balanced Lismore Thistles outfit.
Goals from Ryan Milgate and Zahi Addis secured the three points and kept the Rams undefeated after two rounds as they look to win the competition for the third consecutive season.
Thistles entered the match in good form having disposed of the deceptively strong Eureka FC side 3–0 in round one, but it was Byron who took the early lead when Milgate tucked home a rebound from Diego Vazquez’s free kick.
Byron did not take their foot off the pedal and created plenty of chances through the dynamic Addis, aided by a barnstorming Zeke Morhaus out wide.
Despite the pressure, it took until early in the second half for Byron to double their advantage when a well-timed through ball put Addis one-on-one with the keeper. The centre forward rounded the Thistles’ keeper and slotted the ball past the recovering defenders to give Byron a 2–0 lead.
Rams goalkeeper Marcus Gibbs was rarely called into action thanks to good work and positioning by the centre backs, Alby Kay and Alex Kempnich.
In round three the Rams take on the Goonellabah Hornets at Weston Park.
