RICHARD Grant reckoned there would be plenty of goals when the Southern All Stars took on their Northern All Star counterparts at Armidale’s Doody Park last Saturday.
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The Gunnedah United coach and stalwart was proved right when the Southern All Stars won 3-1 in an entertaining post-season match to celebrate a big Northern Inland Football season.
Grant was co-coach of the Southern All Stars with North Companion’s Gavin Thompson and was delighted with the way their All Stars played, how the Rising Stars went (1-all draw) beforehand and how the NIF presentation night went after the All Stars game at Armidale City Bowling Club.
“It was a good way to finish the season,” Grant said.
“It was very well supported with a great crowd.
“It was just a very good way to promote the game and roll into the presentation night that night.
“Everyone was good out there too – there wasn’t a bad player as far as the game went.
“We did have a lot of firepower though and, while we led 2-1 at half time, it was fitting that Kelly Nystrom scored a late goal to seal the game.
“It was a brilliant run from deep.”
He thought Steve Marshall had a big game as well in defence, with youngster Dave Ifield brilliant with some of his touches.
“He’s a great young player with a lot of class,” Grant said of the North Companions young gun.
“To be doing that at that age is impressive. Then we had players like Adam Watson, Tim Smith and Brendan Fergie with their experience and talent.
“Fergie was great in the first half with such a big workload. And Andy Cygan was great up front too.”
Gunnedah United keeper Brad McIvor also kept well for the Southern All Stars.
SOUTHERN ALL STARS (Luke Purcell, Brendan Fergie, Kelly Nystromm gls) d NORTHERN ALL STARS 1 (Josh Quaife gl).
