It's no secret the sky blues are in trouble with player numbers low.

On Saturday, many of their first grade backed up from a 2-nil second grade win over East Armidale to lose 4-1 against Easts at Johnson Field. Ryan Davidson scored the lone first grade goal after potting one in second grade as well.

That FC's manager Greg Bartlett was serving the second week of a two-week ban for allegedly giving advice to a referee didn't help. He was still there helping set up and run the club, which he has very great fears for.

He believes the club could fold if the it cannot find more helpers off the field and some young players to re-ignite the on-field efforts.

First grade captain-coach Ben Davis said Saturday's losing effort came despite a lot of hard work.

"Half of the boys played a full game of second grade," he said. "We just ran out of legs. You can't ask much more from them."

Team sponsor and second grade coach Darren MacKenzie was upbeat and glad he didn't have to pull the boots on again.

"At Moree we only had 14 players, and I was one of them."

It doesn't get any easier for the Tamworth FC club either with an away game in Armidale against competition-leaders North Armidale on Saturday. The match of the round will be at Doody Park where second-placed Demon Knights and third-placed East Armidale clash.