Joeys’ president, Heinrich Haussler said the spectators were treated to some fantastic football as both teams tried to dominate with fast football right from the early minutes of the game.

Captain-coach Jackson Haussler had a player’s view, and said the size of the field tightened things up in the centre of the pitch, making it a really physical game.

“Joeys were creating chances, and it was only a matter of time before the ball landed in the back of the net,” Jackson Haussler said. 

It was Haussler who went through the left flank and found Daniel Ferris. He shook off two players before finding the net, but was ruled offside by a linesman.

East Armidale’s counter attacked as the Joeys pushed forward, trying to score that early goal, but they were denied on many occasions through some great defence by Corey Rynne and Trent Irwin.

It was a great through ball by Irwin that found Haussler just over the halfway line. Haussler’s touch of speed and a nice left foot saw him beat the Armidale goalkeeper and the ball finish in the bottom left-hand corner of the net to put Joeys ahead 1-0.

When East Armidale hit back they did create more chances, but were denied by some brilliant goalkeeping by Alex Kovacs.

“The second half also started very fast,” Jackson Haussler said. 

“Armidale were trying to use their fast players on the flanks to create opportunities, which worked sometimes, but Dominik Bush shut most of their chances down.” 

The game heated up during its last 25 minutes as East Armidale pushed hard for the equaliser. When an East’s striker got through the Joeys’ defence, he had only Kovacs to beat, and only calmness and some incredible goalkeeping saved the shot. 

As East Armidale pushed forward, it created space for Stephen Gadd to put a lovely through ball to Daniel Ferris. Ferris beat one player and made the shot, and it hit the crossbar. 

One of the last chances of the game for the Joeys came from a quick throw in to Kazu Sakamoto, who took a shot at goal. Only a great save from the Armidale goalkeeper kept it out.

“It seems the Joeys are lacking some match fitness in the last 15-20 minutes and this is something we need and are going to work on,” Jackson Haussler said. 

“It was outstanding goalkeeping by Alex Kovacs, and great defending by the back four, who really deserve the credit for this game. 

“We have two weeks to work on things before our next game against DK Armidale at home and we want to keep our first place on the ladder.”