NORTHERN Inland Soccer League competition leaders North Armidale and North Companions go head to head in not one but two top of the table clashes at Marius Street in Tamworth tomorrow.
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North Armidale leads both first and second grade tables from North Companions, making the day a huge one for both clubs.
North Armidale Reds are the only club to have won the NISL club championship since its 1998 inception but Tamworth's North Companions are determined to end that dominance.
And a loosening of that crown could start tomorrow.
The Reds overtook North Companions for the first time in first grade last Saturday, leading Companions on goal difference.
Botth sides have 22 points in first grade and are four points clear of third-placed Demon Knights.
North Armidale leads second grade with 23 points from North Companions (20) and Gunnedah (17).
Both first grade coaches are wary of their opposition and both acknowledge the depth of talent in the opposing ranks.
North Armidale coach John Reid is hoping to have a full-strength squad at his disposal although at least two players were in doubt.
He was checking their fitness at training last night.
Apart from injured Roger Moore (broken foot) and suspended Wayne Williams, North Companions coach Andrew "Norm" McFarlane has a full- strength squad.
"It's the strongest team we can put on the paddock," he said
yesterday.
"It's a shame Roger is injured, he'll be out for a few more weeks yet. He'd been going pretty good for us."
Daniel Brennan's form since coming into the side has been impeccable and deserves his spot while NBN Television's Bence Hamerli is the fourth midfield partner for captain Ben Todd.
"Hopefully they'll combine," McFarlane said.
Reid missed the first-round clash between the two sides when North Companions hammered his side 4-1 in Armidale.
But his side has improved and started to gel as a dangerously strong side.
The addition of Tom McColl and Mitch Tarrant to the backline has been a major bonus while Willow Grieves has added firepower to a forward line also including leading goalscorer Anthony Green and the talented Anthony Holmes.
"We are improving," Reid said.
"But I'm not quite sure what it is."
He believes it could be a mixture of desire and mental toughness added with some fresh faces.
Both teams have a number of quality players, he said.
In other NISL games tomorrow, East Armidale hosts Hillvue Rovers at Doody Park in Armidale, Gunnedah United is at home to Demon Knights at Wolseley Park, Oxley Vale Attunga plays Armidale Ex-Services at Scully Park and UNE/TAS tackles the South Armidale Scorpions at Armidale Sportsground.
NORTH ARMIDALE: Tim Tarrant (gk), Brendan Leahy (capt), Mick McCulloch, Mitch Tarrant, Tom McColl, Nathan Cameron, Anthony Holmes, Alex Cornish, Neil Wheaton, Willow Grieves, Anthony Green, Mick Green, Dan McCulloch. Coach – John Reid.
NORTH COMPANIONS: Craig Davis (gk), Les Mozzell, Daniel Brennan, Andrew Mitchell, Brent Moffett, Ben Todd (capt), Bence Hamerli, Phil Johnson, Alex Kurtz, Dion Beijeman, Roger Dowdell.
