Tamworth FC took on North Companions and came away with a 1-0 win at Marius Street in a match Bartlett described as a “typical” clash between the Tamworth rivals.

“They’re not always the best [games] but they’re always tough,” Bartlett said.

Kurt Barrow continued his good form up front to score the sole goal of the match about five minutes before half-time.

Bartlett said the goal was well-constructed and thought it was going to be the the first of many.

“They had a player sent off in the first half so we had an advantage numbers-wise,” Bartlett said.

“I thought we’d run over them in the second half but that didn’t happen.”

The shut-out win was Tamworth FC’s third in a row after keeping both East Armidale and Demon Knights to nil in their last two encounters.

Bartlett said that was the most pleasing part of the win.

“I don’t think they had a shot on goal all game,” Bartlett said.

“Our defence stood up again. I can’t be critical of them for not conceding any goals.

“It was a pretty scrappy, ordinary game but a win’s a win.”

After the game, Bartlett couldn’t quite put his finger on why his side played so “scrappily”.

“I’m happy with the result, not with how we played,” he said.

“Not sure if it was because we were off or if the pitch was a bit ordinary but you can’t blame it on that.”

Tamworth FC will now turn their focus to the FFA Cup.

The Tamworth side will take on Bangalow SC in Coffs Harbour next weekend.

Tamworth FC’s scheduled premier league match against South Armidale will be moved to a new date still to be announced.