Demon Knights’ Chris Daly (left) and Tamworth FC’s Tim Smith compete for this header in their finals clash two weeks ago. The two match-up again tomorrow for a spot in the grand final. Photo: Grant Robertson 010912GRA10
TAMWORTH FC hasn’t beaten Demon Knights this season but is hoping that record doesn’t still stand after tomorrow.
If it does, the side won’t be figuring in the Northern Inland Premier League grand final, with the winner of their clash in Armidale and Oxley Vale Attunga’s match-up with South Armidale at Scully Park to play in next week’s decider.
FC and DK last met in the qualifying final two weeks ago.
DK took the honours 2-nil, forcing FC into a sudden- death encounter with East Armidale last week.
But they came through with the goods 3-2 to earn a rematch with DK.
It will be the third time they’ve met this season.
The other game was in the conference crossover period, with DK getting up 2-nil that day too.
There isn’t a lot they have to change though, FC coach Wayne May said.
“We just need to close their space down a bit quicker,” he said.
Especially in the midfield.
“They generally play a ball from the midfield over the top of the defenders for their strikers to run onto,” May said.
“Last time our defenders did a very good job on their strikers.”
“We’ve got to do the same thing again.”
He said they also need to use the ball quicker and take their chances.
The past few weeks they haven’t done that that well.
“We’re probably not taking the easiest chances,” May said.
“Last week we scored three good goals but we missed some of the easy ones.”
He thought they dominated the game but it took until the second half for them to put the ball in the back of the net.
They scored another two not long after but against a side like DK they need to take all the opportunities they generate.
“We won’t get as many chances against DK.
“We have to take our chances,” May said.
DK will be another step up on Easts.
“We’ve got to lift our intensity,” May said.
“When you play against Armidale teams and play up there, you’ve got to lift your intensity.”
The thing that has really hurt them in their games against DK is their discipline.
In both games, DK’s first goal has been from a penalty.
“We need to be conscious of what we do in the box,” May said.
FC will also have its seconds chasing a grand final berth.
They take on South Armidale up in Armidale while the Mushies and North Armidale meet in the other final at Scully Park.
The women’s premier league grand final will be played between North and East Armidale on Sunday.
