Tamworth FC’s top of the table clash against Oxley Vale Attunga had a bit of everything on Saturday at Riverside.
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There was plenty of goals as Tamworth FC won 4-1, there was also plenty of cards and a field intruder of the canine variety even made a guest appearance in the second half.
Tamworth FC coach Greg Bartlett said the match was “pretty fiery at times” but was still played in a “pretty good spirit” as both teams finished the match with players sent off.
FC finished with 10 men on the field while OVA were reduced to nine.
“They were all second yellow cards,” Bartlett said.
“Ben Davis got sent for us first and Ryan Searl and Luke Purcell for them.
“They were all in the second half.”
Tamworth FC had claimed a 2-1 lead at half-time before kicking on to take the three-goal win.
Jackson Haussler scored from a free kick while Kurt Barrow found the back of the net before leaving the field with an ankle injury.
Barrow is expected to miss next week’s clash but FC have a ready-made replacement in Bailey Campbell who replaced Barrow on Saturday and went on to score a brace.
“The boys are playing well and gelling well plus there’s competition for spots. That’s pleasing,” Bartlett said.
“Bailey came on the second half and scored two and he scored two in reserve grade as well.”
The win puts the undefeated Tamworth FC three points clear of OVA on the ladder with a catch-up game still to be played against South Armidale on Saturday, June 9.
Bartlett thought the five-game winning streak was “the best start since I’ve been involved with the club in first grade” but said there was still plenty of work to be done.
“September’s a long way off and the comp’s a lot closer than everyone thinks. We struggled a bit against North Companions a couple weeks ago,” Bartlett said.
“We just need to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”