It is one of seven games in the FA Cup style competition run by Northern Inland Football as something of a mid-season break to NECU Premier League and Namoi Soccer League

competitions.

North Armidale won the first NIF Cup last year with an extra time, penalty shoot out win over Demon Knights.

“It was a cold and miserable day,” John Edmunds recalled.

Winning that inaugural NIF Cup warmed up the day though for the Redmen who have named a good squad of 16 for this year’s NIF Cup.

“It’s a chance to try a few different things,” Edmunds said.

“Try some different combinations. Last year we had our uni students away and this year we have a few guys missing the first week. Jason Boundy’s also gone away on holidays and will miss it. But it gives us the chance to reward a few of our younger second graders. Good to give them a run. And being interchange they just don’t sit on the bench for 80 minutes and then play the last 10 minutes. It’s a bit of a reward for them for their training and effort.”

He said Angus Reckord, Steven Haydon and Adam Zirkler are all talented teenagers who have been impressing in the Redmen second grade. They have also come on for a few minutes here and there in first grade.”

NIF executive director Dino Perizzolo said seven games will be played tomorrow, two in Gunnedah, three in Tamworth and two in Armidale.

“All the clubs enjoyed the knockout format last year,” Perizzolo said.

“They get to play different teams they don’t play week in week out.”

Last year the NIF Cup was played during the Premier League and Namoi Soccer League seasons, making it hard on sides to back up after hard games on Saturday.

This year NIF decided to have a mid season break in its PL and NSL competitions and run the NIF Cup over three weeks.

There is also a consolation side to the NIF Cup, with all first round losers going into a repechage NIF Consolation Cup.

The NIF Cup and NIF Plate finals will be played August 2.

NORTH ARMIDALE SQUAD: Bill Vanry, Willow Grieves, Brendan Boundy, Tom Model, Michael Straub, Scott Straub, Brad Dunham, Joe Horneman, Declan Druitt, Chris Kelly, Tim Purser, Angus Reckord, Steven Haydon, Adam Zirkler, David Griffiths, Phil Mitchell. Coach – John Edmunds.