DK’s number one side beat South Armidale 3-nil in Armidale while their number 2s repelled Kootingal’s second half domination for a 1-nil win.

Oxley Vale Attunga’s number two side also beat South Armidale’s second side 4-nil in Tamworth while its number one side knocked out defending NIF Cup champions North Armidale 4-2 in Armidale.

Elsewhere Glen Innes Highlanders beat North Companions Oldies 4-1 in Tamworth while the two Gunnedah sides, United and Imperials, were bundled out in Gunnedah by North Companions (4-3) and East Armidale (3-1).

East Armidale coach Peter McClenaghan was delighted with his young side at Gunnedah’s Geoff Morgan Playing Fields, grabbing a two-goal win over Gary Sams’ Gunnedah Imperials.

Imperials had scored first through Michael Klienschafer but then East took control with a brilliant passing game to score from some well taken free kicks by John Hickey (2) and a Rhys Hackett penalty.

“We pushed the ball around well, played good two-touch football,” McClengahan said.

Gunnedah Imperials went into the game missing a few players but that was no excuse, Gary Sams said.

“We had them on the ropes early but then they started to push the ball around well. They’re a good side, got a lot of good young kids, probably the best side we’ve played this year.”

North Companions then stunned Gunnedah United at the same venue, leading 4-1 after Brent Moffett (2), Seth Foy and Adam Lole had struck.

Then United fought back and could have easily sent the game into extra time as Adam Budden’s late strike just glanced wide of the mark.

Matt Pengilley, Adam and Matt Budden scored for United.

“North Companions were fantastic in the first half,” said United’s Chris Schumacher.

“We were much better the second half, we just had a disappointing start.”

Cup holders North Armidale also started poorly against runaway NECU Premier League leaders OVA at North Armidale Oval, the Mushies leading 3-nil at half-time.