NORTH Companions continued their rise up the NIF McDonald’s Premier League Southern Conference table with a 1-nil win over Tamworth FC at Marius Street as both Oxley Vale Attunga and Joeys FC retained their unbeaten 2015 first grade records in Tamworth and Armidale on Saturday.
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In Armidale, Joeys FC held North Armidale United Redmen to a 4-all draw at Phil Wheaton Oval to remain at the top of the Northern Conference ladder on 13 points and three ahead of the Redmen.
OVA is also sitting on 13 points and the top of the Southern Conference table but by just a point from North Companions.
Brent Pedlow (Joeys) and Declan Druitt (North Armidale) both posted goal-doubles in their free flowing game in Armidale while Joeys captain-coach Jackson Haussler also banged in his 10th goal of the season.
In Tamworth, reigning premiers OVA were demolishing Gunnedah United 7-nil at Carter Street, topping off a good first half (2-nil) with five more in the second stanza.
Two goals apiece came the way of Adam Watson and Lachlan Browne while Chris Fenton, Luke Purcell and Tom White also netted on a day where the Mushies also beat competition leaders Gunnedah in second grade 2-1.
Both sides finished with 10 men as Ryan Searl (OVA) and Anthony Rowe (Gunnedah) were red-carded for separate second-half incidents.
Gunnedah United coach Richard Grant was “very disappointed” by Rowe’s behaviour after being dismissed for something that was “totally deserved”.
“We were just out-muscled, out-played and out- enthused,” Grant said.
OVA coach Tim Coates said the second grade result was pleasing against the competition leader, elevating the seconds to just two points adrift of Gunnedah despite remaining fourth on the table.
“We played well (in first grade),” Coates said.
“Were two up at half-time and then polished off another five in the second.
“At one stage we scored three goals in eight minutes in the second half.”
OVA remains unbeaten, winning four of its five games as well as drawing to sit on 13, one ahead of surprise packets North Companions.
The young North side is blossoming under Gavin Thompson’s care while “water boy” Des Saunders is also providing his sterling service.
“It was a good day for the club today,” Thompson said.
“Considering we were playing last year’s club championship winners in the two grades, they were great results for us.”
His side could have easily won by three or more, hitting the cross bar and post at least three times.
“We played well without putting away our chances. It’s good that we created those chances though.”
He was disappointed with a second half he described as “stand-offish”.
That allowed Tamworth FC to dominate and attack for long periods without finding the equaliser.
“We played well the second half of the second half,” Smith said.
“We were all over them and could have scored two or three but just couldn’t find that right touch.”
