The Bangalow Bluedogs premier league football team has set up their five-week run to the finals with a 5–1 win over Lennox Head last Sunday.
The home win leaves Bangalow in third place on the table, with 23 competition points, just one win behind both first-placed South Lismore (25) and Richmond Rovers (25). In their previous two games, they beat Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC 5–1, and Ballina by the same score.
‘We are starting to come good, which is a nice sign,’ Bluedogs captain, Joel Rudgley said.
Slow start to season
‘We started the season a little slow, we had people away and lost a few to injuries. We kind of lost the momentum we picked up last year. But now we seem to be hitting our stride.
‘We’re back in a groove, and just taking one game at a time’.
Goonellabah also showed that they will be a finals threat, with a 2–1 away-from-home win against South Lismore, that leaves them in fourth spot on the ladder.
Lennox Head (17), Alstonville (16) and Byron Bay (16) are at least three wins behind the frontrunners and would have to win almost all of their remaining games to force their way into finals contention.
But with five rounds, plus catch-up games, set to be played up until the end of the regular season on September 1, there is still plenty left to play for.
In other results from round 15, Byron Bay lost to their mid-table rival Alstonville 4–2, and MBVFC were pipped by Richmond Rovers 5–3, playing at home in Mullumbimby.
Goonellabah have a big week coming up when they will face two, top-four rivals. They take on Richmond Rovers this Saturday (August 3) before taking on South Lismore on Tuesday night.
Bangalow play Sun
Bangalow are again at home this Sunday when they take on Alstonville.
‘Alstonville are always a tough game. They are a young and energetic side. Hopefully we can take away the points and that will set us up for two games next week,’ Joel said.
On Sunday week, Bangalow face top team South Lismore.
‘It’s important to stop the other top sides taking three points, and getting them yourself. If we keep that up, it’s quite possible we could be minor premiers again this season,’ he said.
MBVFC have a break this week before hosting Byron Bay FC at home on Friday night, August 9.
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