With scores locked up at nil-all between Norths United and North Companions at Marius Street, United co-coach Scott Freeman’s half-time message was simple.
“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” the co-coach told the Armidale outfit.
While the scores were deadlocked, Freeman said both teams had opportunities to score but neither side could capitalise.
It was Norths United who got on the scoresheet first.
The first goal came from a United cross which then took a deflection and found its way into the back of the net. Freeman wasn’t 100 per cent sure who the deflection came off.
Angus Wheatley then gave the Armidale team a two-goal buffer before Companions hit back with one of their own.
“It was a tightly fought contest,” Freeman said.
“They [Norths United] played the best Companions allowed them to play. Companions are a good side. They’re young, fit, fast and physical.
“They’re last year’s grand final winners and you don’t take them lightly.”
Stephen Tanner had “another good game” in goals for Norths United while Tom Model also played well at the back.
Liam Georkas, who’s made the switch from striker to the midfield, “stood up”.
“Young Liam Georkas had one of his better games in the midfield,” Freeman said.
Freeman added: “He just seemed to stand up yesterday. He was on.”
The loss was North Companions fourth of the year by one goal as they remain in sixth place on the ladder.
With East Armidale beating Demon Knights 3-1 and Oxley Vale Attunga defeating South Armidale 4-0, it means Norths United climb to fourth on the ladder heading into the June long weekend bye which has come at the perfect time for the Armidale side.
“We had a couple players out yesterday and with the weekend off in between we might get a couple of those players back,” Freeman said.
