TAMWORTH FC completed a disastrous season by bouncing back with some good memories by winning Saturday’s NIF McDonald’s Premier League second grade grand final at Scully Park.
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The Darren MacKenzie coached FC beat North Armidale Redmen 1-nil, Chris Hughes scoring the winner 10 minutes from full time when he latched on to a pass to slot home clinically from 10m.
It was a deserving win for the club which was involved in the disgraceful brawl last month at Johnson Field in Tamworth against North Armidale.
While suspensions and sanctions are still to be handed down by Northern NSW Football, Tamworth FC has held its season together well despite the disappointment of losing a first grade semi-final to South Armidale in a penalty shoot- out after leading the game three times.
On Saturday the club’s unbeaten second grade side recouped some standing and success for the club out of those ashes with a dominant 1-nil win.
“We had to change the mental side a little bit,” Mackenzie said.
“It’s been a great effort though.
“We’ve been unbeaten all season – had just the one draw and that was the first game of the season against OVA.
“We had a great mix of youth and experience too.
“It’s great having Scotty May and Rob Jeffery out there.”
“They helped keep it steady.”
Then the young players such as Jack Byrnes, Josh Bartlett, Kobe Russell and Jarryd Chester all added their enthusiasm.
Byrnes’s enthusiasm and skills also made him the man of the match, in this reporter and MacKenzie’s eyes at least.
“Yes he was outstanding, wasn’t he,” the coach said of the young attacking midfielder.
“He was my man of the match too but that’s not taking anything away away from anyone else.
“They all played good football.”
Having Jarryd May back from the Police Academy at Goulburn was another bonus as well for Tamworth FC.
North Armidale Redmen coach Neil Wheaton could only lament the 1-nil loss.
“We saved our worst for last,” Wheaton said
“Tamworth FC have had a stellar year though – undefeated is agreat achievement.
“But that was our worst game of the year.
“We were flat but we were happy to get here too.
“We have a young side – most of the boys will be back next year.”
He thought Luke Burton was his side’s best, Mick Griffith was handy with the ball while Brendan Boundy and Tom Model also worked hard.
TAMWORTH FC 1 (Chris Hughes gl) d NORTH ARMIDALE REDMEN 0.
