COFFS Coast Tigers are through to the next round of the Australia Cup after beating fellow North Coast Football side Bellingen FC in their fourth-round match at the Coffs Football Centre.
The Tigers advanced to the fifth round of the nation-wide knockout competition with a 3-1 win against Bellingen.
The Tigers started the match where they left off from last week’s 10-0 win, as they opened the scoring early.
The Tigers had all the early chances and capitalised in the 8th minute when a charge down against the Bellingen keeper opened the scoring.
The Tigers had the better running through the midfield and capitalised on their weight of possession with a second goal in the 26th minute after a mad scramble in the goal square.
The Tigers would take a 2-0 lead into half-time, but it would be an improved Bellingen side who would emerge in the second half.
Bellingen started to tighten up their defence and have the better running in a second half which would produce a goal each to see a 3-1 final score.
Tigers captain and goalkeeper Luke Kliendienst praised the efforts of his midfield brigade.
“The boys in the middle kept composed and worked well around the ball, they were patient and kept possession,” he said.
The Tigers captain acknowledged the second-half performance of their fellow North Coast Football opposition.
“We got a bit fatigued in the second half, but credit to Bellingen they are a competitive team and they have a lot of experienced guys who know how to play out the 90 minutes.”
Coastal Football Leagues 