ALL three Tamworth clubs will compete in the first week of the Northern Inland Premier League finals as the two conferences cross over, although only Tamworth FC are playing for their season.
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Reigning premiers Oxley Vale Attunga beat North Companions last week to claim the minor title in the southern conference and both have spots in major finals today.
The Mushrooms will host East Armidale at Carter St while North Companions will clash with Southern Conference minor premiers Joeys FC in Inverell.
For Tamworth FC it is now or never, although coach Greg Bartlett likes those odds.
“We are not expecting an easy game although we will have our strongest squad on the field this season,” Bartlett said.
FC will be relying on their young but effective backline of Zac Kam, Sam Williams and Jarrod Chester.
The three defenders, along with midfield brains Josh Bartlett, will be fresh for the top grade for one of the first games this season.
“They all normally play reserves and firsts although this week we are going in with two full fresh squads,” Bartlett said.
“Zac (Kam) is a big body who imposes himself well and has been one of our best all season.”
Mid-season recruit Billy Webb has had a huge impact for Tamworth, netting 15 goals from just seven appearances, and Bartlett expects him to add to that.
“We were having a bit of trouble scoring goals before he came along.”
“If we want to win it is going to have to be with both attack and defence.”
Tamworth FC reserve grade again finished minor premiers for the fifth year straight and will play East Armidale before the first grade fixture.
They are hoping to have next week off to ease the player pressure on first grade.
Another side heading into the first week of finals with two full sides are the Mushrooms.
Coach Tim Coates said the club has plenty of depth to support two sides.
OVA took out the club championship as well this year for the second time in the club’s history, with Coates at the helm of both grades.
After a big 4-1 victory last week over Companions, Coates believes the side is in the right frame of mind for the right end of the season.
“We won’t do too much different from last week,” Coates said.
“We set a solid platform and have most of our troops back.”
Coates sent out a word of warning to the other clubs that Luke Purcell could be at his best for the series.
“He owes us a big game and the signs suggest he is due,” Coates said.
“When he is at his best he is very dangerous – just ask South Armidale.”
Purcell slotted three goals and had touches in the other three when OVA beat South Armidale 6-2 in last year’s grand final.
The other match will see Norths United host Gunnedah United in the other elimination final.
That game will kick off at 1.30pm, while the other games will all be at 3pm.
