With a few players sitting out of the match, the Redmen struggled to contain the enthusiastic Tamworth team and eventually settled for a one-all draw. 

Norths’ coach Scott Freeman said the fast-paced match in Newcastle took a toll on a few of the players but gave credit to the visitors for testing his team.  

“We had a few players out so combinations weren’t set and we just couldn’t finish,” he said.

“In saying that, North Companions have improved a lot too.

“They didn’t give us any time to settle on the ball.

“They are a young side too.

“They were full of running and when we had the ball we just had no time to settle it.” 

Norths travel to Narrabri this weekend to clash with cellar dwellers Namoi United. 

Despite their low placing on the ladder, Freeman believes Namoi have the ability to pose a real threat to the Redmen and said they will have to be back to their best to seize a win. 

“Namoi at home are a different proposition to Namoi on the road,” he said.

“They brought one team over to play us over here but when we go over there they almost always have four or five substitutes sitting on the sideline. 

“We have just got to concentrate on doing the basics well.

“Any point dropped now is crucial.”