While the Jackson Haussler-coached Joeys FC made it four wins from four starts with a 4-2 win over Gunnedah United in Gunnedah, the Mushies snatched a 1-all draw with North Armidale Redmen at Phil Wheaton Oval, North Armidale.

Adam Watson’s second-half goal equalised Declan Druitt’s first-half penalty for the home side Redmen.

Mushies coach Tim Coates thought his side could have easily won.

“We had some good chances in the second half and were all over them at times,” Coates said.

“It was a pretty dour struggle though. 

“We received seven yellow cards but I’m not sure if that reflected how we played.

“It is a concern though as Norths might have only received two or three cards.

“But it was an interesting game. 

“Any time you come here and come away with a point you have to be happy. 

“But we probably should have come away with all three.”

He thought Brendon Fergie and Matt Dunn were amongst his best with Dunn also completing a full game as the second grade goalkeeper in their 2-nil loss.

“He was outstanding in second grade,” Coates said.

Coates is hoping to have “two or three back” from injury when they tackle Gunnedah United at home this Saturday. 

Gunnedah United is sitting equal second with North Companions on the Southern Conference first grade ladder, just a point adrift of the Mushies after their two-goal loss to the Joeys.

Joeys won a hard-fought match against Gunnedah United to stay unbeaten after four rounds.

Michael Cashel and Paddy Sonter-Kelso made first grade debuts for Joeys and were impressive in a physical game where the home side scored first.

Stephen Gadd equalised for Joeys after an earlier effort had hit the post and stayed out.

Second time around, Gadd’s long-range shot sailed over the Gunnedah goalkeeper’s head to lock the game up at half-time.

United struck again early in the second half despite a beautiful save from Joeys’ goalkeeper Alex Kovacs. 

Unfortunately his save was parried only into the feet of Gunnedah’s number one striker, Rob Pryor, and he netted his sixth goal of the season.

Sonter-Kelso and Rod Prentis made plenty of runs up the wings but the Joeys could not convert any chances until Amine Lihia drilled home a penalty, his third from three attempts this season.

Following a short injury break, Jackson Haussler then struck for the Joeys with a powerful shot. 

Gunnedah went searching for an equaliser but were denied by great defending by the back four – Jeff Miller, Corey Rynne, Trent Irwin and  Cashel.

Haussler then made it a double, and his ninth goal of the season, with a long-range shot from some 35m, his ninth of the season in a match where  Irwin was best for the Joeys.