NORTH Companions locked in a Southern Conference top two spot while North Armidale moved to within a point of top spot in the Northern Conference with 4-1 wins in their Northern Inland Premier League clashes on Saturday.
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United knocked over conference leaders Joeys FC on their home patch while Companions rolled Tamworth FC to win the inaugural Dan Haslam Cup.
The cup was initiated in memory of Haslam, who played for both clubs during his footballing days and lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.
Jake Thompson scored twice with Scott Flanagan and Brodie King also finding the back of the net as Companions converted a 1-nil half-time lead into a three goal success.
“I’m very happy. It was a great performance,” Companions coach Gavin Thompson said.
“That’s two weeks in a row now we’ve played quality opposition and we’ve trained for how to cut them out and went out and did it.”
The win leaves them just trailing OVA on goal difference and guarantees them a top two berth.
The Mushies left it until late against Gunnedah, Brendan Fergie’s 80th minute penalty getting them home 1-nil.
They threatened a few times before then, and actually got the ball in the back of the net a couple of times, coach Tim Coates said.
But they were disallowed for one reason or another.
Another instance Gunnedah keeper Pa Rankmore made a brilliant save on an Adam Watson volley from about 35m out.
“They battled well,” Coates said.
“They’re an aggressive defensive unit.”
The Redmen meanwhile bounced back from their 2-nil loss to North Companions with a three goal away upset.
Declan Druitt struck twice with Liam Georkas and Tyla Cook adding the extras as they moved to within a point of Joey’s and East Armidale, who had the bye.
Demon Knights are just another point back after leapfrogging South Armidale with a 3-nil derby win at Rologas.
Tom Landes, James Thomson and Kirk Burton found the net for DK who had entered the round behind the Scorpions on goal difference.
Namoi United were the rounds other victors egding out Moree 4-3 out at Wee Waa.
PREMIER LEAGUE TABLES
NORTHERN CONFERENCE: Joeys FC 20, East Armidale 20, Norths United 19, Demon Knights 18, South Armidale 15.
SOUTHERN CONFERENCE: OVA 28, North Companions 28, Tamworth FC 21, Gunnedah United 18, Namoi United 6, Moree FC 5.
