[Images: Northern NSW Football]
Queensland’s Country squads led the state’s resurgence on day two of the FFA National Youth Championships for Boys in Coffs Harbour.
After a tough opening day for all four teams, both Country squads responded with impressive victories while the U13 Metro outfit rounded out a busy Tuesday with an entertaining 4-3 win over Victoria Metro.
The U13 Country side set the tone earlier in the day as a Tomo Kudo hattrick and two for Tyler Ius helped secure a 7-0 victory over Northern Territory.
U14 Country continued the momentum with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Victoria Country in the afternoon, before Lochlan Johnston’s brace paved the way for U13 Metro’s big result.
Despite slipping to defeat in their second match of the day, U13 Country coach Darryl Cash looked to the positives from a promising round of fixtures.
“Obviously in the morning, with the 7-0 win, we were able to capitalise on our chances. We had plenty of forward runs and plenty of penetration in the final third,” Cash said.
“In the afternoon I think we had a few weary legs. As the intensity increased we struggled to stay in the game.
“But overall the boys worked hard and we managed to give a few players some rest so hopefully that will put us in good stead for the rest of the week.”
Cash, who has guided U13 Country squads since 2014, is relishing the opportunity to gain more experience at the highly-professional tournament.
“I love it. Nothing beats coming down to Coffs Harbour and seeing how the other teams play,” he said.
“It’s a good learning opportunity for all the coaches, but at the same time it’s a good test for us to try and enhance our football knowledge and put into practice all the things we’ve learnt over the past few years.”
CLICK HERE for Northern NSW Football’s up-to-date rundown of all fixtures and results.
DAY 2 RESULTS
U13
Northern Territory 0-7 Queensland Country
Football West 2-0 Queensland Metro
Victoria Country 3-0 Queensland Country
Victoria Metro 3-4 Queensland Metro
U14
Football West 1-1 Queensland Metro
Victoria Metro 4-2 Queensland Metro
Victoria Country 1-2 Queensland Country
DAY 1 RESULTS
U13
NSW Metro Blue 4-1 Queensland Metro
NSW Metro White 2-1 Queensland Country
U14
NSW Country 1-0 Queensland Country
NSW Metro Blue 1-0 Queensland Metro
