The Gavin Thompson-coached Men In Black thumped Moree FC 9-nil last week and play Tamworth FC at Marius Street tomorrow.

North Companions are equal second on the Southern Conference ladder, just a point adrift of unbeaten OVA, and a win above Tamworth FC.

It has been a good start to the season for the young side, which also made the NIF Cup Final only to be beaten in a penalty shootout by South Armidale, and one Thompson believes can only improve.

On the weekend, his youth policy yielded another result when 14-year-old Scott Flanagan made an impressive first grade debut, starting in midfield and then moving into defence.

Central defender Will Howard was one of the NC stars though.

Howard, who won a Tamworth first grade cricket premiership with Old Boys, has been one of the side’s best this season after moving into central defence.

“He did have a big game,” Thompsonsaid.

“Nick Bowden and Travis Beard worked hard too.”

Thompson thought his started slowly against Moree but picked up in the second half with a better effort.

“We’ve still got a few things to work on.

“Hopefully we play with a bit more patience in midfield.”

Norths tackle a Tamworth FC which comes off a 1-nil loss to East Armidale in Armidale.

It has had no luck under coach Daryl Smith of late and will be keen to turn it around.

Reigning champions OVA Mushrooms are also back in Tamworth tomorrow after drawing 1-all with North Armidale at Phil Wheaton Oval, North Armidale last Saturday.

The Tim Coates-coached Mushies host a Gunnedah United side at Carter Street tomorrow.

The Richard Grant-coached Gunnedah United led Joeys FC twice last Saturday before losing 4-2 to the unbeaten Joeys.

Joeys coach Jackson Haussler scored twice last week to make it nine for the season as his older brother, Heinrich, continues his ride in the Giro d’Italia.

Joeys FC go to Armidale tomorrow to tackle North Armidale while South Armidale and Demon Knights have a local derby at Armidale Sportsground.

Moree FC and Namoi United complete the round in Moree.

TABLES

NORTHERN CONFERENCE: Joeys FC 12, North Armidale 9, East Armidale 7, South Armidale 4, Demon Knights 3.

 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE: OVA 10, North Companions 9, Gunnedah United 9, Tamworth FC 6, Namoi United 0, Moree FC 0.