GUNNEDAH United might have re-ignited their Northern Inland Football Premier League season at Wolseley Park on Saturday.
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After some indifferent displays over the past month, the Richard Grant-coached side beat Armidale’s Demon Knights 4-2.
It elevated United to 18 points, just three points adrift of third-placed Tamworth FC on the Southern Conference table.
At the same time it frustrated Demon Knights, who had been hoping to rise up a tight Northern Conference table.
They sit fifth on the Northern Conference with 15 points, equal with South Armidale and one point behind North Armidale Redmen.
Joeys FC, who had their crossover match against Moree FC washed out on Saturday, head the NC with East Armidale, both sitting on 20 points.
Demon Knights play South Armidale this Saturday, while Joeys FC host North Armidale and East have the bye.
Gunnedah United have a massive home game against reigning premiers Oxley Vale Attunga, who drew 2-all with South Armidale on Saturday.
The last time the two sides met, United coach Richard Grant made some disparaging comments about OVA’s sportsmanship.
“I know they haven’t forgotten and will give it to us,” Grant said.
“I’m not worried about that.
“They are a very good team but we will surprise them, like we did Demon Knights.
“We only had 18 players last week and had a few double up but they all played out of their skin.”
The return of Adam Winner also ensured United fielded a side that had four players from their 2004 premiership-winning side on the field last Saturday.
Winner, Matt Chappell, Dale Roberts and Craig Louis all played in that grand final win at Wolseley Park.
Louis also scored last Saturday, as he did in that grand final.
“That was a nice little aside,” Grant said.
“It shows there is passion and loyalty out here.”
The addition of former Cairns striker Sam Hos has been a huge bonus for United and he snared a double on Saturday while the return of Jake Manley from a three- week US holiday has added plenty.
OVA coach Tim Coates was disappointed his side could only draw 2-all with South Armidale after the Scorpions grabbed a late equaliser last Saturday.
He said his side has not forgotten the United coach’s comments.
The fact they wasted a winning position last Saturday will only inflame them more to ensure they trounce United and make Grant pay.
He said the return of Chris Fenton and Luke Purcell last Saturday was a boost, both playing good minutes in second grade.
“They played nice cameos,” Coates said.
“We played some good football but did waste three or four good chances in the first half.”
His side does lead the Southern Conference, with good, hard games against Gunnedah, East Armidale and North Companions to finish before the playoffs.