WHEN Goonellabah crushed Byron Bay 4-1 in the opening round of Far North Coast premier league soccer, it seemed unlikely the two would be sharing the lead at the midway point of the season.

But the two sides have followed differing paths in climbing to the top of the ladder, setting up a classic showdown for the outright lead when they clash at Weston Park, Goonellabah, today from 5pm.

Since that first round encounter, Byron Bay has been the more spectacular side, remaining undefeated and showing plenty of flair to score a massive 25 goals in seven games.

Goonellabah by comparison has shown a more workmanlike efficiency, quietly going about its business of accumulating points.

Defensivly the Hornets have the better record, conceding a miserly four goals in eight games.

And defence will have to remain the key for the Hornets against the Rams' multi-pronged attack, which includes the league's leading scorer Jordy Campbell, fleet-footed flanker John Bradbury, dangerous midfielder Jed Wright and the ever present Tom Ruhl.

Goonellabah's central defenders Paul Pomeroy and Daniel Morrow will need to maintain their good form and may play a little deeper to counter the Rams' pace.

“The boys certainly want to make up for it, and I'm not worried about Goonellabah from what I've seen of them recently,” a confident Rams coach Peter Ware said. “We have the strike force to do the job.”

Hornets coach Brendan Logan was more measured. “Both sides have a very good idea about what the other will be doing, so it will come down to which side executes its game plan the best,” he said.

RICHMOND Rovers' coach Scott Coster promised changes to the premiers' line-up after their lacklustre draw with Ballina last week and has lived up to his word, dropping leading striker Troy Matthews for their away clash with Lismore Workers today at 5pm.

Coster will start the two-time Golden Boot winner and 2007 Player of the Year from the bench after a lean spell in an effort to rekindle his motivation.

Work commitments have limited Matthews to one training session a month and, with just two goals from seven games, he has been well below his blistering best.

His place will be taken by Aaron Heffernan, who has been unavailable for the past two games, which have resulted in two draws, dropping Rovers to third.

Coster is hoping Heffernan's on-field leadership and attacking prowess will help lift the team for what he sees as a vital game.

“Workers are definitely a danger side for us,” Coster said.

“We were flat last week but the boys have trained hard since and realise we have to lift.”

In an effort to stifle Rovers' traditional strength in midfield, Workers coach Paul Ianna will change their formation, dropping Anthony Alvos back from striker to combine with Brendan Keevers and Josh Law in the middle of the paddock.

With a place in the top five beckoning if they win, an upset over an out-of-sorts Rovers is on the cards.

ALSTONVILLE has the chance to move into semi-final calculations by stealing fifth place from Ballina when they meet at Crawford Park, Alstonville, today at 3pm.

Both sides will be at full strength and after a 1-all draw in the first round, another close contest is expected.

Villa's fit young line-up is well organised and confidence is high after their win over Lennox Head last week, while Ballina is struggling to reach its full potential.

With five draws from nine starts, the Seahorses have missed numerous opportunities.

“The draws are killing us,” coach Troy Percival said. “We started the season well but seem to have dropped into a rut and we need to start working more as a team.”

In an attempt to inject more venom into their attack, Percival will promote striker Matt Jeffery from reserves for his ability to set up goals as well as score himself.

Percival will start on the bench but the seasoned striker could play a part in the second half if Ballina are left chasing goals.

Villa will look to leading scorer Troy Cook to continue his good form up front.

IN a match that will have a huge bearing on this year's relegation battle, Lennox Head and Bangalow will square off at Skennars Head today from 5pm.

Bangalow are at the bottom of the ladder and remain the only side without a win, while the Sharks are just a point ahead with their only win coming against Bangalow in the first round.

The Bluedogs will be at full strength and looking for revenge, while Lennox have Andrew Lundie suspended and doubts over Jon-athan Green, but coach Paul Kirkland will have his players fired up.

“It's do or die for both sides and we certainly won't be holding anything back - it's like a grand final for us and we'll need that sort of intensity,” Kirkland said.

ONE Sunday game will be played, with Thistles desperate for a win when they host Italo Stars at 3pm.

After just one win from seven games the Blues are headed for a relegation battle unless they turn their season around quickly.

But Stars will have little sympathy as they look to cement their place in the top five.