Erin Skewes signs with the Mushies women’s side for the new season as club vice-president Michael Bridge looks on. Photo: Robert Chappel 090313RCE01
TAMWORTH FC limbered up for this weekend’s State Cup second round knockout match on the North Coast with a good win over Gunnedah Imperials in a trial match in Tamworth on the weekend.
Tamworth FC coach Wayne May said the trial win was a “good hit-out” for his club approaching Saturday’s State Cup clash with Orara Valley.
“We only had 14 and Imperials were missing a few first graders but we played well.
“I think we’re going to be a little stronger than we were last year. We might have lost Will (Kam) but we’ve gained Andrew Cepak from DK. He looks a very good player, very calm on the ball and has a good shot.”
May also said Troy Osborne looks like playing for the NIF Premier League champions this winter.
“Looks like he’s going to stay here for a year,” he said.
“He’s a very good goalkeeper.”
The US College goalkeeper, who had been waiting on a visa to play professional football in the Philippines, appears to have obtained good permanent work at a local licensed club, but has cricket commitments to fulfil with South Tamworth before he starts his football season.
May said Saturday’s clash with Orara Valley will be another good test for his young side before heading back over the coast the following weekend for a “bonding session” trial with another Coffs team still in the State Cup.
Meanwhile, Oxley Vale Attunga Mushrooms are preparing for another bumper footballing
season.
The Mushies conducted their final registration day at Tamworth Shoppingworld on Saturday and while they still have un-registered players have about 130 players signed up for the various teams from Under 6s through to senior and Premier League.
“We might be a little bit down on numbers from last year but we still have a few players we know of that haven’t registered yet,” said club president Craig Dunn.
“Our teams have to be nominated by Monday night but players can still register after that.
“We had something like 18 teams last season, right through from the Under 6s to our senior sides in the local comp and the Premier League tams.
“We might also have an extra senior team in the local comp this year too.”
Last season Craig Dunn coached the Mushie Under 16s and they were fortunate enough to win their grand final.
He said the club’s women’s side also acquitted itself well in the inaugural women’s competition.
Club vice-president Michael Bridge is playing his ninth season with the Mushies.
“I played in the local first grade side last season,” he said.
“We finished third and lost the final. I’m playing again and it looks Dunny (Craig) will be coaching us as well.”
He said the Mushies were based at the Tamworth Golf Club again.