It was first versus second on the ladder, but in the end Mushies coach Tim Coates thought it was all a bit too easy against North Companions – the 6-1 scoreline keeping his side undefeated.
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“This was pretty easy, to be honest,” Coates said post-match.
In fact, Coates was not too keen on even labelling it a top-of-the-table clash, suggesting Norths only occupied second spot because third-placed Norths United had a game in hand.
United beat Tamworth FC 2-1 on Saturday to jump Companions into second place, three points behind the Mushies.
Mushies strikers Luke Purcell and Benn Gennardini scored a hat-trick and a brace respectively.
OVA led 5-0 at the break, with Companions’ sole goal coming from Ben van Aanholt in the 52nd minute.
The best goal of the match was scored by Dan Cannon in the 84th minute – his long-range chip too good for Companions keeper Jarrod Whitehouse.
Cannon started the match at left midfield but moved to centre midfield when his skipper, Chris Fenton, limped off with an injured ankle.
“I thought the last goal by Dan Cannon was remarkably well taken,” Coates said.
“The ball was parried out by the goalkeeper after an attack on goal, Dan took his time, kept his head down and chipped the keeper from about 30 metres.”
Coates was delighted his side did not lose the second half.
In other games, South Armidale defeated Joeys 1-0 and Demon Knights beat East Armidale 3-1.