Before Saturday’s 4-3 win over Demon Knights, the Redmen hadn’t sniffed victory since their mid-June 6-1 belting of Namoi United.

“We’ve had some interruptions and the season got away on us,” North coach Andy Lennon said.

“Hopefully we are back on track now.”

The win leaves the Redmen in third spot on the McDonald’s Northern Inland Premier League northern conference ladder on 16 points with four rounds remaining.

“It puts us right back in the mix for everything,” Lennon said.

“Even the minor premiership isn’t out of reach.

“It’s very, very tight.”

North had to do it the hard way against DK.

They were behind twice, before surging to a 4-2 lead late in the second half on the back of a Declan Druitt hat-trick.

“Being behind twice, I was extremely impressed with the desire our boys showed to get back on top,” Lennon said.

DK scored with three minutes remaining to make it 4-3 and some nervous moments ensued for North, but they were able to hold on and take the three points.

Lennon said Druitt and Jason Boundy were their best on Saturday.

“Declan performed very well,” he said.

“Jason Boundy hasn’t played much this season, but when he does he makes such a difference to our side.”

With DK and South Armidale snapping at their heels, Lennon knows his side can’t afford any late season slip ups.

However it’s not going to be an easy ride in the last month leading into the finals, highlighted by their trip to Tamworth tomorrow to face the southern conference-leading North Companions.

While North Companions are sitting pretty atop their table, Lennon said their domination of the southern conference may be a bit of a mirage.

“There are only two or three teams down there who challenge for top spot,” he said.

“Teams like North Companions are able to gather some easy points throughout the year.

“Up here everyone is very even.”

The other matches of the round see South Armidale travel to face OVA, East Armidale travel west to play Namoi United and DK take on Gunnedah FC.