THERE was no hiding the pleasure written all over North Armidale players’ faces last Saturday afternoon when they came away from Marius Street with a perfect two from two start to the Premier League season.
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They followed a first-round 8-nil hammering of Joeys FC with a 6-nil win over North Companions.
Not only have the Redmen dominated the first two rounds of the season, they have also beaten the minor premiers from both conferences last season, as well as plugging 14 goals while keeping a clean sheet on the back of an undefeated FFA Cup run to become regional champions.
Last Saturday they dominated possession and field position to post that 6-nil away win and something similar is on the cards today when they host Namoi United at Phil Wheaton Field, North Armidale.
Skipper Mitch Wilson has already got his eyes on the ultimate prize, a PL premiership, claiming the Redmen are completely focused on picking up the title this time round after a shock defeat to Gunnedah in the semi-final last year.
“That loss to Gunnedah has given us plenty of motivation this pre-season,” Wilson said.
“We have been training hard since January and have had a great start to the season.”
Michael Griffith and James Birmingham both scored doubles in the win at Marius Street on Saturday, while Liam Georkas and Jason Boundy also found the back of the net.
“We were moving the ball around really quickly and really well,” Wilson said.
“That was the biggest positive for us.
“The score could have been a lot more.”
While the Redmen are focused on going at least one step further than last year, they also have the next round of the FFA Cup looming against Mid North Coast champions Forster Tuncurry.
A win there would move them within a match of the final 32 sides, where the A League clubs join the competition.
While the date is yet to be confirmed, that game against Forster looks likely to be held at their home ground on April 30.
While North host winless Namoi United today there is a local derby at Doody Park where East Armidale and South Armidale Scorpions are matching up.
There is also a top of the table clash in Tamworth where Tamworth FC host Demon Knights at Johnson Field while reigning premiers OVA are at home to Moree FC (Carter Street) and North Companions head to Inverell to play Joeys FC at Inverell Sporting Complex.
