ARMIDALE controls its own destiny in the race for fourth spot in the Group 19 rugby league competition.

The Greens are in fourth spot on 16 competition points , just one clear of fifth-placed Inverell with one competition round remaining

Armidale’s assignment this Saturday at Doody Park is to beat Guyra – no easy task.

Greens coach Lindsay Snell knows his side now has an early start to the knockout phase.

“Our semi-final starts this Saturday,” Snell said yesterday.

The Superspuds are assured of second spot and Snell was hoping, but not expecting, their players may be less than fired-up for the clash.

“Skill-wise , man for man, we are probably a bit better but they are such an enthusiastic and fit side,” Snell said.

“It’s Guyra Cup day on Saturday so they might have other things on their minds but knowing Errol (Archibald) they’ll want to finish the season on a high and take winning form into the finals.

“I don’t expect any favours. They will be full-on.”

Guyra coach Errol Archibald said Guyra would not be in the mood for handing out favours.

“Armidale beat Guyra at the Guyra Showground about four years ago in a grand final,” Archibald said yesterday.

“We’ve got long memories.

“So if they are looking for favours then they are looking in the wrong direction.”

Guyra welcomes back star second-rower Dan Taylor and utility forward Shane Davidson on the bench.

Flying winger Shane Mongta will sit out the match with an ankle injury.

Mongta was at his dazzling best during Guyra’s 44-32 win over Narwan on Sunday.

Archibald also praised the discipline of his side after a 9-1 penalty count against them in the first half ensured Narwan had most of the ball.

Plenty of niggly incidents against his star playmaker Mal Gaukroger did not impress Archibald.

“I’ll have to take Mal down to the gym and give him boxing lessons,” Archibald said.

Meanwhile Armidale finished the match strongly against Warialda last Sunday, losing 38-26, after the Wombats led by 20 points at half-time.

“We had a strong second half when we started attacking in pairs,” Snell said.

“But we were easy pickings in attack in the first half.”

Snell said second-rower Andrew Magann, halfback Greg Wood and hooker Allan Emerson were his best.

Emerson played a gutsy match after he was struck down with illness during the week.

“I don’t know how he got through the match,” Snell said.

Snell said his side takes some confidence out of the performance however poor starts have proven costly both against Warialda and Narwan recently.

The Guyra side will make Armidale pay for any sluggish start.