Christian Layland
Byron Bay FC have kept their undefeated start to the Summer Youth League season with a 4-1 win over Ballina.
A brace from 16-year-old Zahi Addis and strikes from Tai Rai Naughton and Alby Kay saw off the challenge from a resurgent Ballina.
Fresh off a win, the Ballina Seahorses were confident going into the match against a very young Byron Bay side who were missing some regulars.
The Rams scored the opener early in the match when Naughton spied the Ballina keeper off his line and hit a first time finish from outside the box to take the lead.
With the positive start, the Rams maintained dominance, and soon had a second when Addis also struck from outside the box.
The goals didn’t stop there for the home team as centre back, Kay, got his first goal of the season. Receiving the ball, the young defender drove into midfield, played a pass around a defender and finished with a good strike from wide.
Addis scored his second for the match – and sixth for the season – just before half-time when he beat two players on the wing before cutting-in and converting from a narrow angle.
A 4–0 half-time deficit was reflective of the game and while Ballina did come back in the second half – including a goal from a set piece – it was Byron who remained dominant: hitting the post and forcing multiple saves.
The victory means the Rams are two points behind South Lismore at the top of the table, with only three matches to go.
Byron take on Richmond Rovers this Friday at Neilson Park. Kick-off is 8pm.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats dropped a 2–0 lead to draw 2–2 against Goonellabah in the women’s SYL. The result leaves Byron six points behind the competition leaders with three games to play.
They take on Lismore Thistles this Friday at John Ryan Oval. Kick-off is 6:30pm
