Christian Layland
Byron Bay FC have played their way to equal first on the Summer Youth League ladder after an important 2–0 win over Richmond Rovers.
The three competition points put the Rams equal with South Lismore, with only two matches left.
Needing to win to stay in premiership contention, Byron started the match in good form: with lots of possession and fluid ball movement.
Their early domination paid dividends when Zahi Addis put the Rams in front. A Santiago Bolo free kick was met by the head of Diego Vazquez who put the ball back across goal for Zahi Addis to score.
Going behind early, Rovers began to resort to physical tactics; looking to intimidate the young Byron players with strong tackles.
The Byron players showed experience beyond their years and focussed on keeping their shape and playing football, with Harry Barlow and Marley Turnbull both showing strength in winning the ball and starting attacks.
With good shape and structure, Byron’s ball movement opened up the Rover’s defence allowing Ethan Archer to play a penetrating pass to a streaking Addis who finished for his second goal of the match – and seventh of the season.
Rovers were left with a difficult task to rescue the match shortly afterwards when they were reduced to ten men after a nasty challenge left Byron midfielder Harry Barlow bleeding from the head.
From there Byron played smart; suffocating Rovers in possession and then maintaining possession to seal the win.
The Rams take on Eureka at the Recreation Grounds from 8pm this Friday.
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