Initiated in memory of the medicinal cannabis campaigner, who played for both clubs during his footballing days, the football match is part of the club’s annual Pink Day.

“It’s a whole day for the club,” FC coach Greg Bartlett said. The players will all wear pink socks and the ladies side special pink jerseys, with all money raised from the day and ‘Pink Charity Night’ following, being donated to United in Compassion.

Now into it’s third year, the honours have so far been shared. North Companions won the inaugural clash 4-1 before Tamworth FC prevailed last year 3-nil.

“It’s going to be a hard game,” Bartlett said.

“They’re just ahead of us on the ladder.”

Companions have come out on top both times they’ve met this season. Both games, Bartlett pointed out, they have come from behind.

“We’ve scored early and haven’t gone on with it,” he said.

The lesson he will be stressing to his team from that is that they have to play for 90 minutes.

“And also finish the goals we create, which we have been a lot better at the last few weeks,” he said.

An issue for them early on in the season, they have put away 17 goals in their last four games. Three of those games they haven’t conceded a goal, which Bartlett said is pleasing. 

“If we can play like we’ve been playing I’m quietly confident we can come away with the result,” he said.

He identified Brodie King as one player they will need to watch.

“He’s the leading goalscorer in the competition,” he said.

“We’ve probably taken him a bit too lightly, given him too much room.”

Oxley Vale Attunga are also at home, taking on East Armidale at Carter Street. 

In the other games Norths United travel to Inverell, fresh from a win over Demon Knights in their catch-up game on Thursday night, while South Armidale and DK clash in Armidale.