NORTH Companions remained at the top of the Northern Inland Premier League’s Southern Conference with a four-goal success against Moree FC while Tamworth FC and Oxley Vale Attunga maintained pace with big wins.
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OVA had an 8-nil win over Gunnedah Hawks in Gunnedah on Saturday while Tamworth FC went one better at Johnson Field, handing Namoi United a 9-nil drubbing in both grades.
In the Northern Conference, South Armidale and Joeys FC played a 2-all draw at Armidale Sportsground.
There were also four goals scored at Marius Street in Tamworth but they were all by North Companions and all in the second half.
A “crook” Ben van Aanholt scored two of them while Davie Ifield and Will Kam scored the other two.
“The first half was even but a bit scrappy,” North coach Gavin Thompson said.
“When we pushed the ball wide we dominated but there were patches where they (Moree) dominated too.
“In the second half we played a lot better and were all over them.
“We were patient and got the victory we were after.
“They were tired too.”
He thought van Aanholt was his best, playing a good 70 minutes despite being ill.
“He had a real dig,” Thompson said.
Jake Thompson also played well again.
Moree FC coach Darrell Smith, who played both games in goals for his club, thought Moree was more than competitive in the first half.
“We created some good chances,” he said.
“We controlled the ball pretty well, kept the pace slow but we only had three fresh players for first grade and it told on us in the second half.
“We are getting better though.”
He was delighted FC’s second grade side snared a 1-all draw.
“They deserved it.
“But I was pretty happy with first grade too – we just ran out of puff in the second half.”
Simon Davis was best for Moree, the teenager having a solid game at right back.
“He was pretty close to the best player in both grades,” Smith said.
“He’s still a junior, in his first year at the club and developing well.”
Travis Hook (centre back) also impressed Smith.
In Gunnedah, Adam Watson scored four of OVA’s goals against the Hawks with Luke Purcell and Matthew Dunn also snaring goal-doubles.
“It was good to bounce back from last week with an effort like that,” OVA coach Tim Coates said.
“The boys did play well. It’s good to see Chris Fenton back in midfield.”
His best were Adam Watson and midfielder Dan Cannon.
Big centre back Kelly Nystrom was the star of Tamworth FC’s 9-nil win over Namoi United.
He scored four goals for FC, with Hayden Davidson also striking twice and Englishmen Scott May and Michael Roberts joining Travis Beard on the scoresheet.
