GUNNEDAH United can book a place in the Northern Inland Premier League semi-finals if it can win a big southern conference showdown with Moree United at Moree today.
The Gunnedah boys are pushing for a top three spot but first they need to at least fend off North Companions and cement a place in the top four.
“It’s a must-win really,” Gunnedah Utd coach Richard Grant said.
“If we win we secure a semi spot and gives us a chance to get a home semi.
“But we just have to concentrate on getting three points on the road this week and getting into the semis.
“If Moree win, they’ll get third spot and it will make for a hell of a last game.
“You never want to rely on other results.”
The four could have already been decided.
Grant said his side was lamenting its loss to Companions a few weeks ago and now he is hoping Oxley Vale Attunga can win their Tamworth derby with Northies at Marius Street.
If things go badly for Gunnedah today the make-up of the four will go down to next week’s last round where Gunnedah faces OVA itself.
The other factor is Moree’s own ambitions.
It would like to finish third and get a home semi as well, especially when it has been so strong at home.
“They’ve knocked off some good sides up there,” Grant said.
“When you do that you deserve to be where they are.
“Our motto all year has been to win as many games at home as possible and we’ve been pretty good at that.
“But the one or two we have lost we need to turn around.”
Gunnedah did beat Moree at Gunnedah 4-1 but playing at Moree is a different matter.
Grant is confident in the side he is taking to Moree.
“Hugh Jennings didn’t play last week but he’s back.
“He’s a big, strong centre half and he knows how to play the game.
“He’s got the work-horse Craig Louis next to him so we’re very good in that area.
“Then there’s Zac Garnett and Brodie Schumacher who are in good goal-scoring form.
“So we’re looking good.”
He also said the side trained well this week.
The other games in the southern conference have little bearing on the four but Tamworth FC can seal the minor premiership with a win over Narrabri at Narrabri.
Wee Waa also meets Imperials at Gunnedah.
North Companions are also holding another charity day for their clash with OVA.
The day will support the Butterfly Foundation, which is a charity that supports people with eating disorders and their families.
In the northern conference, the most important game today sees Glen Innes host East Armidale.
The loser will be out of the running while the winner can stay in the hunt for the top four.
East also has a catch-up game to play at home against Guyra tomorrow, making it a big weekend for the Suburbs.
There is also a top of the table clash today but North Armidale is already assured of top spot.
Demon Knights still needs to win to fend off South Armidale for second though.
The Scorpions host Guyra today.