If spectators were expecting the tight tussle, which has become the trademark when North Armidale play South Armidale, they certainly got it on Saturday when the two sides renewed their friendly rivalry.
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This time it was North who came out on top at the Armidale Sportsground, with a Tyla Cook strike separating the two sides.
Both teams had their chances, but it was only Cook who was able to capitalise to give his team the vital three points.
It was the first win of the season for North, after a wash out in round one and a draw to Demon Knights in round two.
North coach Andy Lennon said it was a pleasing effort from his side.
“It was a good win,” he said.
“We put ourselves under a bit of pressure late by not taking some scoring chances early on.
“But other than that I was really happy with how we played.”
Lennon said the tight score line was indicative of the quality of the match.
“I always say if you want to watch a good match of football go and watch North Armidale play South Armidale,” he said.
“It was a quality match of football.
“It was a good battle of two teams playing great football.”
Lennon said Jimmy Birmingham was strong down the right side and goal keeper Riley Hopwood was outstanding, but it was a superb team effort.
“Across the board everyone played well,” he said.
The Northern Inland Premier League takes a two week break for the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, before returning on May 2.
Lennon said it was unfortunate timing for a mid-season break.
“The two week break is not necessarily a good thing for us,” he said.
“We are just starting to get to where we want to be and now we have a break.”
Meanwhile, East Armidale also notched their first win of the season, beating Guyra 3-nil at Doody Park.
In the other northern conference match, Joeys FC continued on their early season tear, with a 7-1 thumping of Gunnedah Hawks.
Demon Knights had the bye.
In the southern conference Moree thrashed Gunnedah 6-nil, North Companions hammered Gunnedah United 9-nil and Oxley Vale Attunga beat Tamworth FC 2-1.