Football Far North Coast

There is evidence of "soccer enthusiasts" from the Oakland area meeting at Muldoon's Hotel in June 1911 to form a football association.[8]

The first known game played under the British Association rules saw Oakland defeat Coraki on Saturday 8 July 1911.[9]

The first football club formed in the Lismore area was the Lismore Athletic Football Club which was formed at the Lismore School of Arts in May 1914.[10] The first game of football featuring a side from Lismore was played in June 1914 when students from the Wollongbar Experiment Farm played Lismore Athletic Soccer Club at the farm.[11] The Lismore Athletic team was:

• Goalkeeper – Blackmore
• Backs – Newman and Caley
• Half-backs – Cochrane, Manning (captain), Alcock
• Forwards – Marshall, Stewart, Hope, Thomas & McBeth

The officials for the game were Mr Priestly (referee) and Mr R Hatt (linesman).

The first Lismore club (it's possible that the Lismore Athletic Soccer Club of 1914 was a team only) was established in April 1932 at a meeting at the Golden Globe rooms.[12][13] At that meeting, it was noted the club had 34 players and "the support of prominent Lismore citizens, including representatives of two churches[12]"; Canon Moore (Church of England) and Reverend Parker (Presbyterian). The club adopted club colours of red and blue shirts and white shorts,[14] and decided to enter a team in Bangalow's Association premiership competition that was initially supposed to include 6 teams:

• Bangalow (2 teams)
• McLeans Ridges
• Federal
• Mullumbimby
• Lismore

Only 3 teams nominated for the initial competition of the Northern Rivers Soccer Football Association with additional teams from Lismore, Ballina and McLeans Ridges being invited to compete in the end of season knockout competition:[15][16]

• Bangalow Rangers
• Lismore AFC
• Federal

In May 1932 Lismore announced they had rented "An area of land at the corner of Diadem and Magellan streets" for use as a home ground.[17]

The first game in the competition was played at Bangalow on Saturday, 14 May 1932 with Bangalow defeating Lismore 3–1.[18] The teams were:

• Bangalow: Morrison, Graham, Hunt, Ramsden, W Turner, Macdonald, Jeffert, A Carter, Davies, Eldridge, J Carter
• Lismore: Fender, Williamson, Green, Daly, Holmes, Gilmour, Kinch, G Wightman, McCredie, Simpson, Temperley

New clubs were formed in Lismore in May[14] and Casino in July 1932.[19] The new Lismore club was probably called Lismore City.[20]

In July 1932 an Association Cup competition attracted 6 teams: Bangalow, Lismore City, Casino, Dyraaba, Lismore & Federal.[21]

Football continued being played on a social basis and then on a more organised basis for the Le Clare Cup until 1939.

Association Football in the Lismore district was revived after a 10-year hiatus in early 1949 by Constable Ossie (Oscar) Pomroy, a local policeman and Jack Connolly, a repatriation representative.[22] Pomroy had played association football with the Police team in the Sydney competition.[23] On Saturday 30 April 1949 the first competition game for 1949 was played at Lismore Recreation Ground between two under-16 teams; Brisbane Telegraph Rangers and Lismore Boys’ Hostel.[24] In May 1949 a club was formed in Casino.[25] The first senior game of the season was played at Lismore Recreation Ground on Saturday 28 May between a Lismore team and a Casino team with Lismore winning 4–1.[26] The Casino team featured former Dutch international, Jack Dalmeyer.[27] In June 1949 the Lismore and District Soccer Football Association, a predecessor to the current Football Far North Coast, was formed.[28] The inaugural office bearers[28] were:

• Patrons: Larry Anthony, Commonwealth member for Richmond and William Frith, NSW member for Lismore
• President: Maurice Guilmant
• Vice-Presidents: R Hatt, C Lawman, J Robertson, Frank Oakes, Clarrie Richards, Ossie Pomroy, RM Frazer
• Secretary: RT McBain
• Treasurer: GJ Wightman
• Publicity Officer: Ossie Pomroy

The under-16 competition played for the Wilcher Cup donated by Wilcher's Dye Works of Keen Street, Lismore with 12 teams from 7 clubs competing:

• 1. North Lismore – Hotspurs, Thistle
• 2. East Lismore – Rovers, Athletic
• 3. South Lismore – Celtic, Albion
• 4. Hostel – United, Wanderers
• 5. Goonellabah Stars
• 6. Telegraph Rangers
• 7. City Rangers

North Lismore Hotspurs were the inaugural winners of the Wilcher Cup with South Lismore Celtic winning the junior cup final.

In seniors 5 teams participated in the competition:

• 1. Lismore City
• 2. North Lismore Marauders
• 3. Goonellabah Gold Stars
• 4. Methodist OK
• 5. Casino Rebels

Lismore City were the winners of the Challenge Cup which appears to have been the equivalent of the grand final, beating Casino 5–1 in the final. In September 1949 a Far North Coast representative team played Corinthians, the 1949 Brisbane soccer premiers. The game was played at Lismore Recreation Grounds, with Corinthians winning 7–1.

At a meeting in February 1950 Eastwood United was established comprising 2 junior teams (Under 14 and 18) and 1 senior team. It was agreed that club colours would be red shirts with white collars, pockets and sleeves, white shorts and red and white socks. The inaugural elected officials were:

• Patron – Dr RE Longworth
• President – Mr M (Maurice) Guilmant
• Secretary – Mr M Glendinning
• Assistant secretary – Mr E Wells
• Treasurer – Mr J Harrison
• Publicity Officer – Mr OH (Ossie) Pomroy

The 1950 Arthur Brand Cup final between Eastwood United and Casino Rebels was played on Saturday, 9 September at the Lismore Recreation Ground (Recreation Ground Number 1). The game was of a high standard with Eastwood United winning 2–1 after extra time and being presented with the cup by Arthur Brand.[30] Casino Rebels protested the result to the Lismore District Soccer Football Association (LDSFA) on the grounds that the refereeing of Mr Des Hyde had not been up to standard, and demanded a replay. In particular, it was reported Casino Rebels players 'began to leave the field when a goal ... (by their captain, Stan Pendrigh) ... was disallowed'[31] and the legitimacy of Eastwood United's winning goal which had been scored direct from an indirect free-kick.[32] The LDSFA upheld (supported) Casino Rebels protest and directed the final be replayed at Casino on Saturday, 23 September.[32] Mr Stan Jarrett, the Secretary of the LDSFA resigned in protest at the decision.[33] Eastwood United refused to play the re-match so the matter was referred to the NSW Soccer Association.[34]

The re-match was eventually played at Casino on Saturday 30 September with Casino Rebels winning 2–0.[35] The NSW Soccer Association ruled the 'referee's decision was final' (in relation to the first game) and as a consequence, the LDSFA decided Eastwood United would hold the cup for the next 12 months.[36] So whilst Casino Rebels won the 1950 Brand Cup Final, Eastwood United had possession of the cup.

The Casino Rebels team for the re-match was:[37]

• A Morgan (Goalkeeper), Stan Pendrigh (Captain), Jack Dalmeyer, L Fryer, G Snow, W Richardson, M De Haan, H Johns, F Koning, M Day, J Davy, J McElligott

The Eastwood United squad for the re-match was:[37]

• H Pogulis (Goalkeeper), Jim Brady, S De Vries, Billy Stark, Ossie Pomroy (Captain), Billy Driver, L Moller, Bill Woolnough, J Docherty, J Felicia, N Manitta, Cliff Burrows, M Nutt, N Garrett

The Brand Cup donated by Arthur Brand, a local pharmacist, was an end-of-season competition played on a knock-out basis. The 1951 Brand Cup final was between North Lismore Marauders and Methodist United. The first game, played on Saturday 25 August, was abandoned at 5:45 pm due to bad light after more than 2 hours play. The teams had played 90 minutes of normal time, and 2 sets of 20 minutes extra time. The score was 2-all at full time and 2-all when the game was abandoned. Goalscorers for North Lismore Marauders were S Miles and Cyril Mayo, whilst A Watson scored both goals for Methodist United. The game attracted more than 1,000 and possibly up to 1,500 fans with gate proceeds of more than 100 pounds being donated to the North Coast Children's Home.

The replay was played on Saturday 15 September. Both clubs made changes with North Lismore Marauders bringing in forwards Dirk Brouwer and Bill Owens, and Methodist United including local baseball star Reg Baxter. Owens, who had been called up for army training was given special leave to play and flown in specially for the game. North Lismore Marauders won the replay 3–1 and their only-ever trophy in Lismore football history. Goalscorers for North Lismore Marauders were ironically, Bill Owens (2) and Dirk Brouwer, whilst Allan Halls scored for Methodist United.

In March 1951 following a decision by the Lismore District Soccer Association to limit its boundaries to a radius of 25 miles from the Lismore Post Office, there were murmurings of a breakaway association centred on Casino. The proposed new association would encompass juniors and up to 7 senior teams: Casino (2), Bonalbo (2), Mallanganee, Dyraaba and Kyogle.[46]

In July 1950 the Caledonians club from Brisbane visited Lismore to play the Far North Coast representative side. Cliff Burrows, a member of the Caledonians side was so impressed by Lismore that he returned to live there.[47] Burrows, originally from the Leeds area in England, played for Eastwood United from 1950 to 1953[48] and was captain of the Church of Christ Crusaders side in 1954.[49] Burrows was good enough to play for the Lismore City and Lismore representative sides against the Sutherland Shire Casuals[50] and Grafton in 1954.[51][52] Burrows also refereed.[53]

In June 1954 Burrows was elected secretary of the Lismore District Soccer Association (LDSA) following the resignation of Mr Allan Halls.[54] In September the same year, tragedy struck when Burrows drowned whilst surfing at Ballina Lighthouse Beach.[55][56][57][58] Burrows was buried at Lismore Memorial Gardens on Skyline Road, Goonellabah.[59][60]

The LDSA opened a fund to condition his grave and provide a suitable epitaph.[61] In September 1955 a memorial was unveiled at Burrows' grave.[62]

In July 1957 a team described in the local press as the Chinese national team but actually Eastern Athletic from Hong Kong visited Lismore to play a Lismore District Soccer Association XI.[63] This was the first time an International or State side had visited the Northern Rivers region of NSW.[64] Eastern Athletic were a good side; in the week before playing the Lismore XI they drew 2-all with Australia and beat Queensland 5–3 in Brisbane.[65]

The week leading up to the game was marred by injury. Firstly, the referee assigned to the game, Allan Halls from Lismore, was concussed in a car accident and there was some doubt he would take charge of the match. Secondly, Bill Smith the captain and central defender of the Lismore XI was injured playing for his club, Eastwood United the weekend before the game, and forced to withdraw.[66] Bill Mullins of Grafton replaced Smith as captain.[66]

Eastern Athletic soundly defeated the Lismore XI 6–0 at Oakes Oval, Lismore after it was 4–0 at half-time.[67] The visitors put on a "display of precision football" on "a wet, slippery ground" with a "greasy ball" in front of a crowd of 1,500 ("the largest crowd ever to see soccer on the Northern Rivers") paying £300. According to the local newspaper the best players for the Lismore XI were R Parkhouse, Bill Mullins, Eric Moss (the youngest player in the team at 17 years of age),[66] Charlie Kostic & L Orchard.[67]

The Lismore XI, selected from the Lismore region and including players from Grafton and Casino was:[64]

• R Parkhouse (Grafton, Goalkeeper), Gary Kuehne (Grafton), Bill Mullins (Grafton, Captain), Eric Moss (Grafton), Charlie Kostic (Grafton), L Orchard (Eastwood United, Lismore), Barry Neaves (Eastwood United, Lismore), B McPherson (Goonellabah Stars, Lismore), A Lee (Goonellabah Stars, Lismore), W van Beers (Casino) and F Laing (Grafton)

The match officials were:[66]

• Referee – Allan Halls
• Linesmen – K Goudie, G Hayward

Eastern Athletic exists to this day, re-badged as Eastern Sports Club and currently playing in the Hong Kong Premier League.

On Friday 31 January 1958 a meeting was held at the Boy's Hostel in Lismore to form a new club to play in Lismore & District Soccer Football Association competitions.

The meeting appointed Warren Bancroft as chairman. Others present at the meeting were to become stalwarts of the Lismore Thistles club including John Ryan, Barry Neaves, Lance Goldsmith, Nooky Lavis and Jim Rixon.

The meeting also agreed on:

• A club name – Thistles Soccer Club
• Club colours – Royal blue & white
• Club emblem – A thistle within a shield

In 1958, Lismore Thistles first season it had 1 team with twenty registered players playing in the First Division.

In 1960 Goonellabah Stars won the treble of ANZAC Cup, premiership and grand final (or Championship for the Cyril Mayo Memorial Cup). Goonellabah Stars beat Lismore Thistles 4–3 in the grand final to win the Cyril Mayo Memorial Cup; the goalscorers being Goonellabah Stars – E Scurr, Earle McPherson, Athol Parmenter and Bill Harris (Captain), and for Lismore Thistles – R Lavis 3 goals. This was the third time in succession Goonellabah Stars had won the Cyril Mayo Memorial Cup since its donation in 1958.[69]

In 1961 Irishman Bill Harris left Goonellabah Stars, the most successful club in the competition, to form a new club; Richmond Rovers. Harris' motivation was to "foster younger players ... create more interest in the code by expanding the competition, which he saw as lopsided due to Goonellabah Stars dominance".[70] Harris was a former Irish schoolboy representative and English 1st Division player who had moved to Lismore in 1957 via Melbourne (where he played for Slavia).

Richmond Rovers became the 5th team in the Senior competition joining Casino Rovers, Eastwood United, Goonellabah Stars and Lismore Thistles.[71] In their first game, an ANZAC Cup-tie, Richmond Rovers were beaten 7–0 by Lismore Thistles[72] and in their first fixture game were beaten 2–1 by Casino Rovers.[73] In its first season Richmond Rovers also fielded 2 junior teams; an Under-16 and an Under-14.[71]

Members of the original Richmond Rovers side were: John Gava, Carl Ross, J Handley, David Flynn, D Cassis, M Bright, John Morrissey, Bill Harris, John Serone, G Perkins, John Farry (goalkeeper), Doug Edwards, Theo Donaldson, Barry Neaves and Arthur Maloney.

In May and June 1961 the Fijian national team toured the Eastern States of Australia and played regional and State teams including a North Coast team at Oakes Oval, Lismore.

On Sunday 4 June in "greasy, treacherous conditions" the Fijians were "too fast" for the locals, winning 8–2 after it was 5–0 at half-time.[74] Jim Smith scored both goals for the North Coast.[74] Officials voted R Helmond, the North Coast goalkeeper as the best of the local players, whilst the local newspaper also praised Eddie Laycock (right back) and Jim Smith (centre forward).[74] The game was watched by a crowd of 2,500[74]

The local newspaper noted the North Coast captain Bill Harris (born in Northern Ireland) was the only North Coast player not born in Australia. The team included 8 players from Lismore, 2 from Murwillumbah and 1 from Macksville:

• R Helmood (goalkeeper), Eddie Laycock (right back), J Craven (left back), Bill Smith (right half and Vice-Captain), Earl McPherson (centre half), Ron Fiore (left half), B Dawson (outside right), Bill Harris (inside right and Captain), Jim Smith (centre forward), Ron Phillips (inside left) and E Crooks (outside left). Reserves were R Burns, J Gassner, W Van Meurick, A Parmenter and G Lavis.[75]

The Fijians played 15 games on tour, winning 8, drawing 1 and losing 6 whilst scoring 76 goals and conceding 65.[76] Some of the games against regional sides were cricket scores: Fiji 14 – Riverina 0 (in Wagga Wagga), Fiji 12 – Goulburn Districts 1 (in Goulburn), Fiji 9 – Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 2 (in Griffith).[76]

Goonellabah Stars, sometimes referred to as Goonellabah Gold Stars were established in 1949 and were part of the revival of football in the Lismore district after a 10-year absence. In its first season Goonellabah Stars fielded a senior team and an Under 16 team in the Wilcher Cup competition. Goonellabah Stars were the dominant club during their 17 years in senior competitions, with some of the region's best players and winning honours on 26 occasions:

• 9 ANZAC Cups – 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1964
• 10 premierships – 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964
• 7 grand finals – 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962

In 1966 Goonellabah Stars seniors suddenly disappeared, although they continued as a junior club.

In their first season in 1949 Goonellabah Stars went trophyless coming 4th in the premiership (in a 5-team competition) and getting knocked out of the finals series by Lismore City. Players in the 1949 season included: K Packham (captain), J Teale, N Manitta, C Wagner, J Roach, L White, L Duff, N Adams, R Allen, A Andrews, K Bryant, J Doyle, R Packham, A Baker.[77][78]

1953 – final table – seniors[79]

In 1963 Goonellabah Stars won their 9th premiership by 1 point from Lismore Thistles. Goonellabah Stars clinched the premiership in the last round of fixtures, beating last-placed Wallaroos 4-2 after Goonellabah Stars were trailing 2-1 until midway through the second half. A goal by 16-year old Robbie Donaldson (making his senior debut) and 2 late goals by Earl McPherson gave Goonellabah Stars the win and the premiership. Goalscorers for Goonellabah Stars were Earl McPherson (hat-trick) and Robbie Donaldson and for Wallaroos J Battese and Geoff Gray.[83]

1963 – final table – 1st Division[84]

1964 – final table – seniors[85]

• 
  Goonellabah Stars, 1953
• 
  Goonellabah Stars, 1954

* The Eastwood United team walked-off the field in the 40th minute of the first half after 3 of their players had been sent-off by the referee Jack Pressick in the 30th minute of play. At the time of the walk-off Lismore Thistles were leading 2–0.

In 1970 5 teams from 4 clubs competed in Lismore District Soccer Association's senior competition; Eastwood United, Italo Stars, Lismore Thistles A, Lismore Thistles B and Richmond Rovers. In 1971 a Reserve Grade competition was established to give a surplus of senior players a game in the absence of any lower divisions or alternative clubs to the 4 existing Lismore clubs.

The inaugural Reserve Grade competition comprised 5 teams; Casino, Eastwood United, Italo Stars, Lismore Thistles B and Lismore Thistles Green. The first Reserve Grade premiers and grand final winners were Lismore Thistles B who defeated Eastwood United 6–2 in the grand final replay after the first grand final was locked at 3-all after extra time.

The final table, finals results and goalscorers for the 1971 Reserve Grade competition:

In 1974 Lismore Thistles created a new record by winning their 5th consecutive Cyril Mayo Cup for winning the grand final. In doing so Lismore Thistles became masters of the finals knock-out format because only once during this period did they win the premiership (in 1973). Lismore Thistles' record was equalled by Italo Stars when they won 5 consecutive Cyril Mayo Cups from 1977 to 1981.

Eastwood United won the 1970 premiership their 6th premiership.

* Italo Stars Reserves withdrew from the competition in early-June. All games after their withdrawal have been recorded as a win for their opponent and a 0-0 scoreline.

The 1971 A-Grade grand final was both history-making and constitution-changing. Under Lismore District Soccer Association rules of the time it was not possible to have joint champions (grand final winners).

The 1971 A-Grade premiers in a 4-team competition were Eastwood United by 1 point from Lismore Thistles A. The grand final was replayed twice before a winner could be found and was described as a "marathon" and the "longest grand final in the history of Lismore soccer":[86]

• 21 August @ Oakes Oval – Lismore Thistles A 4 – Eastwood United 4 after extra time (0-all at half-time, 2-all at full-time). Goalscorers were Terry Woods (3) and Gary Thompson for Lismore Thistles and Dick Morrissey, Dick Latta and John Orchard (2) for Eastwood United.
• 28 August @ Oakes Oval – Lismore Thistles A 1 – Eastwood United 1 after extra time (Lismore Thistles led 1–0 at half-time, 1-all at full-time). Goalscorers were Terry Woods for Lismore Thistles and unknown for Eastwood United.
• 25 September @ Oakes Oval – Lismore Thistles A 2 defeated Eastwood United 1 (0-all at half-time). Goalscorers were Robert Ellis and Terry Woods for Lismore Thistles and John Orchard for Eastwood United.

The Lismore District Soccer Association committee met after the second draw (and 4 hours and 10 minutes of play) to decide whether to replay the grand final or declare Lismore Thistles A and Eastwood United joint champions. Voting was deadlocked and the then Association president, Jim Underhill used his casting vote to support a replay. As Underhill explained after the meeting, it was unconstitutional to have joint champions.[87]

Incredibly on Saturday, 11 September (between the 1st and 2nd grand final replays) Eastwood United played Italo Stars in the final of the Ampol Silver Ball, winning 5–2. Goalscorers were John Orchard, Dick Morrissey, Dick Latta (2) and Peter Irwin for Eastwood United and Robby Pollock and John Percival for Italo Stars.[88] Eastwood United also won the 1971 ANZAC Cup beating Lismore Thistles A 5–2 in the final. Goalscorers were Peter Keyes (2), Bob Kennedy and Jim Matthews (2) for Eastwood United and Gary Thompson and Bob Lavis for Lismore Thistles.[89]

The 1972 season was a year of growth for the Lismore District Soccer Association with a number of new, existing and former clubs being admitted to its competitions. Total player registrations reached 1,681 (120 teams) including 1,435 juniors and 246 seniors.[90] This compared with the Lismore-based Richmond River Junior Rugby League which had 1,250 registered junior players.[91]

In March Richmond Rovers defeated Tumbulgum 1–0 in a women's game and is the first evidence of women's football on the Northern Rivers. A women's competition would be established by the Lismore District Soccer Association in 1974.

New clubs

• Alstonville – formed in 1972, under-8's only
• Lismore Teachers College – seniors only (Division 2)

Existing clubs

• Ballina – formed in 1971, 7 junior teams only

Former clubs

• Casino United (Division 2)
• Casino Rovers (Division 2)
• Nimbin – juniors (3 teams) and seniors (Division 2) re-admitted after some years absence

The A-Grade and Reserve Grade competitions were renamed Division 1 and Division 2 respectively. The number of Division 1 teams increased by 2 to 6 with the admission of South Lismore and Lismore Thistles fielding 2 teams and the number of Division 2 clubs increased by 5 (Casino United, Casino Rovers, Goonellabah, Lismore Teachers College and Nimbin returning after an absence of some years) to make a 10-team competition.

The Division 1 trophies were shared around:

• Eastwood United retained the ANZAC Cup after drawing 2-all with Italo Stars
• Italo Stars won their first premiership since their formation in 1966
• Lismore Thistles defeated Eastwood United 2–1 in the grand final to win their 3rd successive championship. Goalscorers were Michael Clarke and Terry Woods for Lismore Thistles and Jim Matthews for Eastwood United.

The grand final teams were:[92]

Division 2 trophies were won by:

• premiership – Lismore Thistles Colts
• Grand final – Italo Stars defeated Eastwood United 4-1[93]

In 1973 Lismore Thistles won the premiership-grand final double; their 5th premiership and 5th Cyril Mayo Cup after entering senior competitions in 1958. 1973 was their 4th Cyril Mayo Cup (grand final) victory in a row.

Lismore Thistles won the premiership easily from Italo Stars, who were at least 7 points behind. It's unclear the final margin as Italo Stars-Eastwood United's last fixture of the season was forfeited, but it's unclear which club forfeited.

Lismore Thistles lost just once (to Italo Stars 3–0) and drew three times (Richmond Rovers 3-3, Eastwood United 1-1 and 2-2) during the 1973 season:

* The Italo Stars-Eastwood United fixture scheduled to be played 1 September was forfeited, but it's unclear which club forfeited.

In May 1972 Dundee FC toured Australia and New Zealand. On that tour they played Australia in Adelaide (Dundee FC won 2–1), NSW (Dundee FC won 6–1) and Queensland (Dundee FC won 9–0).

Dundee FC played a Northern Rivers representative side at Oakes Oval, Lismore on Wednesday night 24 May 1972. A crowd of more than 4,000 saw Dundee FC beat the locals 16–1 (8–0 at half-time). Some of the adjectives used to describe Dundee FC's performance were "world class" and "incredible". Goal scorers for Dundee FC were Jocky Scott (5), John Gray (3), John Duncan (2), Ian Scott, Bobby Wilson, Duncan Lambie, Doug Houston, Gordon Wallace and George Stewart. The Northern Rivers goal was scored by Gordon Bryant near full-time. Two awards were made to Northern Rivers players after the game – Dick Latta (Lismore Sports & Toy Centre award) and Phillip Bawden (All-Round Sports Centre (Sydney) award).

The Northern Rivers squad for this game was:

• Goalkeeper – Trevor Rainbow (Grafton)
• Fullbacks – John Percival (Captain, Italo Stars, Lismore), Peter Nott (Lismore Thistles), Robbie Donaldson (Richmond Rovers, Lismore)
• Halfbacks – Max Thompson (Lismore Thistles), Terry Woods (Lismore Thistles), Gordon Bryant (Italo Stars, Lismore), Allan Hampton (Grafton)
• Forwards – Devinder Singh (Grafton, although living at Woolgoolga), John Orchard (Eastwood United, Lismore), Dick Morrissey (Eastwood United, Lismore), Phillip Bawden (Italo Stars, Lismore), Dick Latta (Eastwood United, Lismore)
• Coach – Armin Sandmann (Lismore)

Two players were forced to withdraw from the squad in the week leading up to the game due to injury; Ian Monaghan and Kevin Lollback.

Jack Pressick, Secretary of the Northern Rivers Soccer Federation, was the driving force in arranging this game. Pressick, having noted that Dundee FC's itinerary had one unconfirmed date and venue, contacted the Australian Soccer Federation and suggested a match at Lismore. Pressick's suggestion was wholeheartedly supported provided Dundee FC's asking price of $4,500 could be guaranteed. Pressick and Jim Underhill, President of the Lismore District Soccer Association raised the funds from local businesses and businessmen.

In May 1974 the Lismore District Soccer Association approved its first women's competition. Six teams nominated[96] including:

• Lismore Thistles
• College of Advanced Education (CAE)/Teacher's College
• Lismore High School
• St Vincent's Hospital

The historic first game in a 10-game season was played on Saturday, 25 May 1974 at Richmond River High School with CAE/Teacher's College beating Lismore Thistles 3–0. Goalscorers for CAE/Teacher's College were D Allen, L Worland and G Schubert.[97]

From 1977 to 1981 Italo Stars won every Cyril Mayo Cup (for winning the grand final) and in doing so equalled Lismore Thistles record of 5 successive Cyril Mayo Cups (from 1970 to 1974). During this 5-year period Italo Stars also won every ANZAC Cup and 2 premierships in 1977 and 1978:

• Treble (ANZAC Cup, premiership, Cyril Mayo Cup (for the grand final)) – 2 in 1977 and 1978
• Cup double (ANZAC Cup, Cyril Mayo Cup) – 5 in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981
• premiership–grand final double – 2 in 1977 and 1978

In September 1980 a Lismore side played Wellington (New Zealand) at Oakes Oval. The Wellington side included 4 New Zealand internationals; Barry Pickering (goalkeeper who made the New Zealand squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain), Keith Barton (defender), Jeff Strom (defender) and Michael Simeonoff (midfielder). The weekend before the Lismore game, Wellington beat Clarence Valley 5–0 in Grafton before a crowd of 300. Wellington defeated Lismore 4–0, the goalscorers being Paul Vanderbreggen and Costa Leonadis (hat-trick).

The Lismore squad and officials for the game were:

After being formed as a junior club in 1969, Goonellabah first entered a senior team in the 1972 Division 2 competition, coming 2nd last. In 1982 they came 2nd last in First Division. 1983 would be a break-out year as they won the ANZAC Cup and 1st Division premiership for the first time with virtually the same team as 1982.

In April Goonellabah won their first ANZAC Cup 1–0 against Eastwood United with Robert Pearce scoring with full-time looming.

The 1983 premiership was a season-long race between Goonellabah and the defending premiers Eastwood United. Going into the final round the Armin Sandmann coached Goonellabah led by 2 points needing a win against 3rd-placed Lismore Thistles to be certain of their first premiership. Goonellabah won 1-0 (goalscorer – Andy Acton) making Eastwood United's 9-1 thrashing of South Lismore inconsequential.

Eastwood United had revenge when they defeated Goonellabah 3–0 in the major semi-final, the goalscorers being John Wraights, Ken McPherson and Dennis Wiblen. Goonellabah's season came to an end when beaten 1-0 by Lismore Thistles in the preliminary final, the goalscorer being Neil Harris. The Jack Jarvis coached Eastwood United won their 8th grand final defeating Lismore Thistles 2–0 at a windy Oakes Oval, the goalscorers being Darren Laycock and John Wraights.

1984 was a year of change with the Lismore District Soccer Association and its committees being replaced by a company, Lismore & District Soccer Pty Ltd and elected board members with responsibility for administering soccer in the Lismore region. In addition two Lismore-based clubs, Italo Stars and South Lismore merged to create a new club, Souths Stars United. Souths Stars United had immediate success, winning the 1984 ANZAC Cup and First Division premiership.

In the ANZAC Cup Souths Stars United defeated Eastwood United 2–1 at Oakes Oval in front of 400 fans and after almost 2 hours of play. Midway through the first half Souths Stars United's Brett Towner pounced on a defensive mix-up to give Souths Stars a 1-0 half-time lead. Eastwood United equalised late in the second half thanks to a Ken McPherson penalty, making it 1-all at full-time. In the first period of extra-time Kevin Wilson headed home the winner to clinch the trophy. Man of the match, selected by referee Dean Mohammed and linesmen Dick Morrissey and Ted Cavanagh, was Brett Towner of Souths Stars United.

The First Division premiership was a two-club race between Souths Stars United and Eastwood United with Souths Stars taking out the trophy by 3 points:

During the 1985 season Eastwood United became a member of the Lismore Workers Club Sports Trust and from 1 June their senior teams were re-badged as Lismore Workers Soccer Club.[98] To avoid confusion Eastwood United's 10 junior teams retained the Eastwood United name until the 1986 season. Eastwood United joined 18 other sporting clubs including the rugby league club in joining the Lismore Workers Sports Trust.

Lismore Workers Soccer Club retained the same executive as that previously elected at its annual general meeting:

• President – Andy Stevens
• Vice-President – Rod Thomas
• Secretary – Glen Hart
• Treasurer – Janice Ianna

Eastwood United were defending champions having beaten Souths Stars United on penalties after extra time (2-all at full-time and 3-all after extra time) in the 1984 grand final. Goalscorers in the 1984 grand final were Ken McPherson (2) and Dave Condon for Eastwood United and Hugh Naisby, Peter Jenson and Wayne Storti for Souths Stars United. However, in 1985 Lismore Workers came second to undefeated premiers Lismore Thistles and made the grand final against Lismore Thistles after a new and confusing finals format in which the top 6 teams played 4 semi-final rounds.

In the Lismore Real Estate Premier Division grand final Lismore Thistles completed the 1985 season undefeated and won their 9th championship, beating Lismore Workers 1–0 with a first half goal by Tony Roder.

In 1986 Richmond Rovers celebrated 25 years. To add to the celebrations they won the 1986 Premier Division (the Lismore Real Estate Premier Division) premiership and grand final. These were their 2nd premiership (the first was in 1975) and 3rd championship (previous championships were in 1964 and 1975).

Richmond Rovers was established by Bill Harris in 1961 and in their first season fielded 3 teams; a senior men's team and 2 junior teams. By 1986 Richmond Rovers had grown to 22 teams; 5 men's teams, 2 women's teams and 15 junior teams.

Richmond Rovers comfortably won the 10-team premiership by 7 points from a logjam of teams equal on 33 points and only separated by goal difference including Maclean, Lismore Thistles and Alstonvilla:

Richmond Rovers took the hard route to the grand final, being beaten 3–0 in the major semi-final by Lismore Thistles at Oakes Oval (Goalscorers – Phillip Hicks, Steve Morrissey, Mick Riley) before overcoming Mullumbimby 2-1 after extra time in the preliminary final. Mullumbimby scored in the 1st half with a goal by Sulcs and led until deep into the 2nd half before a late Stephen Bugden goal forced the game into extra time. Ian Brown scored Richmond Rovers winner in extra time to give them a grand final berth against Lismore Thistles at Oakes Oval.

The grand final at Oakes Oval was deadlocked 1-all at full-time after first half goals from an Ian Brown header for Richmond Rovers and a Steve Morrissey equaliser for Lismore Thistles. In extra time Richmond Rovers' captain John Bugden hammered home the winner for a perfect finale to their 25th anniversary celebrations.

The squads and coaches for the grand final were:

* The final game of the season, a deferred game between Lismore Workers and Grafton wasn't played by mutual agreement

South Lismore established its first senior team in 1972 when they entered the old Division 1 finishing 2nd last in a 6-team competition.

In 1992 South Lismore came 2nd to premiers Lismore Thistles in Premier Division. In their first grand final appearance South Lismore were beaten 2-1 by Lismore Thistles after extra time in the grand final replay after the first game ended 0-0 after extra time.

In 1993 the John Percival coached South Lismore won the Premier Division premiership-grand final double. After winning the premiership for the first (and so far only) time by a point from Lismore Workers after a dramatic final round they won the grand final in similarly dramatic fashion when they defeated Lismore Workers 2-1 after extra time.

Going into the last round of fixtures Lismore Workers were leading South Lismore by a point. In the last round Lismore Workers drew 1–1 with second last-placed Italo Stars and South Lismore defeated Goonellabah 2–0 to win their first ever premiership. The final table was:

South Lismore lost the major semi-final to Lismore Workers 2-1 after extra time before beating Goonellabah 1-0 (Goalscorer – Bruce Mourhaus) after extra time in the preliminary final to make their second successive Premier Division grand final.

The grand final was played under lights at Oakes Oval. Lismore Workers took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal by Tony Marquart. With 2 minutes of normal time remaining Brett Towner scored for South Lismore to force the game into extra time. During extra time a free kick from Troy Percival (South Lismore) was blocked by Lismore Workers' goalkeeper Graham Nesbitt into the path of Brett Towner who scored to give South Lismore a 2–1 win and their first grand final success.

The South Lismore squad for the grand final was:

In 1997 Casino won their first grand final and became the first club from outside Lismore to win the Cyril Mayo Cup for the Premier Division championship in almost 50 years. The long-defunct Casino Rebels won the inaugural grand final and the Arthur Brand Cup in 1950 in a disputed grand final replay against Eastwood United.

In 1997 Casino finished on equal points with Lismore Workers (their 14th premiership including 10 as Eastwood United) but second on goal difference in the 12-team Premier Division:

In the major preliminary semi-final Casino defeated Goonellabah 1–0 at a packed Oakes Oval thanks to a Ken Reichmann chip over Goonellabah's goalkeeper Paul Hickey. This game was played as a curtain-raiser to a pre-season Ericcson Cup (National Soccer League) game between Brisbane Strikers and Marconi which attracted more than 5,000 fans.

In the major semi-final at Weston Park, Casino defeated Lismore Workers 1–0 with a first half goal by Dave Hood, and made history by reaching their first ever grand final. Lismore Workers reached the grand final after defeating Goonellabah 1–0 in the preliminary final after a 108th minute extra time goal by Glen Gilchrist.

The grand final between Casino and Lismore Workers was played at a water-logged Oakes Oval. A wild storm including rain, wind and thunder forced the players off the field after 10 minutes of play. After a 40-minute break the players returned to a drenched surface. Casino scored first when sweeper Stewart Coughran drove a free-kick from just outside the penalty box, around the wall and past goalkeeper Justin Marks. Soon after scoring Coughran was stretchered off with an ankle injury, briefly returned but was substituted before half-time and played no further part in the game. With 15 minutes remaining Paul Wiltshire made it 2–0 to Casino when he scored with a "venomous" shot from 20 metres. With 5 minutes to go Lismore Workers scored with a Brad Bosworth headed goal from a corner. But Casino held on to win the grand final 2–1. The player of the match was Casino's Wayne Mortimer.

The squads, coaches and support staff for the grand final were:

In November 1997 the Matildas played China at Oakes Oval, Lismore as part of a Tri-Series involving China, New Zealand and Australia.

A crowd of more than 3,000 saw the Chinese team win 3–0 with the 3 first half goals, the goalscorers being Shui Qingxia, Sun Qingmei and Zhao Lihong. The local press were glowing of the Chinese team ... their "silken touch, ... superb ball skills, such a desire to be the best".

The game was historic because it was the first game China had played in Australia, and for the inclusion of Lismore local Lisa Casagrande in the Australian team. Unfortunately Casagrande was replaced late in the first half due to calf cramps.

In the curtain-raiser the Soccer Far North Coast Under-16 girls team defeated the Coffs Harbour Under-16 girls team 4–1. Goalscorers for Soccer Far North Coast were Martene Edwards (2), Amy Brown and Olivia Brisby with Katrina Byrnes scoring for Coffs Harbour.

The winner of the Matilda for a Day competition run by The Northern Star newspaper including a Matildas playing strip, match ball and spending game day with the team was Kym Butts of South Gundurimba.

In 1999 Maclean re-wrote FFNC record books by becoming the first club from outside Lismore to win the top grade premiership in its 51-year history. Maclean and Goonellabah finished equal on points, with Maclean's superior goal difference clinching their first premiership.

The 1999 premier division finals (for the Cyril Mayo Cup) were reduced to 4 teams due to time constraints and ground unavailability following a wet season where many games were washed out.

In January 2001 the Matildas played France at Oakes Oval, Lismore. This was the second time the Matildas had played in Lismore, having played China at Oakes Oval in November 1997.[99]

This was the second game in the 3 match Australia Cup series; the first game being played at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium and the final game at Carrara Stadium.

A crowd of 2,350 saw a hard, physical game end in a 1–1 draw.[100] The Matildas took a late lead when in the 86th minute Kim Revell latched onto a through ball from Sharon Black and slipped her shot past the French goalkeeper. France equalised soon after in the 88th minute when Stephanie Mugneret Beghe blasted home after a cut-back from the bye-line.

The curtain-raiser between Soccer Far North Coast Under-17's and New England Under-17's also ended in a 1–1 draw. The goalscorer for Soccer Far North Coast was Hollie Jarrett after great lead-up play by Megan Janezic. Samantha Dowse of Goonellabah won the Matilda For A Day competition run The Northern Star newspaper which included a Matildas playing strip, match ball and spending the day with the Matildas.

From 2007 to 2011 Richmond Rovers won 10 of the 15 trophies on offer in Premier League and dominated the competition and opposition clubs:

• ANZAC Shields – 2 in 2008 and 2009
• premierships – 4 in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011
• Grand finals (Cyril Mayo Cup) – 4 in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010

In doing so Richmond Rovers won the treble (ANZAC Shield, premiership and grand final) in 2008 and 2009 and the premiership-Grand final double in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

• 4th premiership, 10th championship

• 5th premiership, 11th championship

* 9 point penalty for crowd misbehavior at the 2007 grand final

• 6th premiership, 12th championship

• 13th championship

• 7th premiership

In 1987 in their first and until 2016 only grand final appearance Bangalow were convincingly beaten 4-1 by Richmond Rovers. Bangalow had made the grand final from 4th place, beating Alstonvilla (1-0, Goalscorer – Robert Parks), Ballina (2-0, Goalscorer – Paul Clarke (2)) and Lismore Thistles (1-0, Goalscorer – Robert Parks (penalty)).

In 2016 Bangalow won the Premier Division grand final 1–0 against the premiers Goonellabah, to win their first and so far only title.