Norths United stamped their intention on the McDonald’s Northern Inland Premier League when they took it to the current champions on their home turf and held them to a 1-all draw.
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It was a physical battle all over the park for points on Saturday but both sides’ defensive lineups managed to just let slip the one goal each.
Norths United co-coach Scott Freeman said it was an impressive game of soccer and all players across the field gave it their all and left nothing in the tank.
"We had close to a full strength side, we still had players out but the boys stepped up,” he said.
"It was just one of those, hard, grind out games.
"I wouldn't say any particular area on the paddock outshone the other.
"Our midfield worked exceptionally hard to keep their attacking force down to only one goal and our defensive line worked really hard.
"It was just noses to the grindstone and knuckle down, it was a very physical game.
"Neither side gave an inch.
It was just noses to the grindstone and knuckle down, it was a very physical game. Neither side gave an inch.
- Scott Freeman
"They put everything into it and, as a coach, I can't ask for much more than that.”
Freeman’s counterpart Tim Coates expected the Redmen to provide a stern test in the lead up to the round three clash.
Coates believes Norths United, Demon Knights and North Companions will be the sides to beat this year and nothing happened on Saturday that led him to change his mind about the Redmen.
“It was a tough game,” he said.
“They’re well organised, well drilled ... They’ve got a lot of younger players running around and a couple of older players to do the thinking.”
The Mushies were 1-0 up well into the second half following a goal to defender Glenn McKnight midway through the first half.
The goal came after Tim Smith switched the ball from the right side to Benn Gennarvinni on the left wing.
Gennarvinni then rifled a shot across the face of goal and McKnight was on the spot to convert from 12 metres out.
The equaliser came in the 61st minute when Mushies keeper Troy Keyte conceded a corner and Jason Boundy scored.
All Armidale teams are back on home grounds this Saturday four their round four encounters.
There is a local derby at Doody Park between Easts and Souths.
Norths United host North Companions at Phil Wheaton Oval and Demon Knights take on Inverell Joeys at Rologas.