TAMWORTH FC will be looking to give themselves some breathing room over the rest of the competition with a win over South Armidale on Saturday.
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Currently in first place on the Premier League ladder, a victory over their third-place rivals would see FC sit three games clear of North Armidale in second place.
FC coach Greg Bartlett said a victory for his side would be vital to its hopes of playing finals.
"This is a pretty important game for us in the context of the overall season," Bartlett told the Leader.
"A win for us would give us some space over Souths, who are currently in third and Norths who have the bye this weekend.
"The competition is so even this year, any chance like this to really sure yourself up has to be taken."
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As well as securing a healthy lead atop the table, FC will have added motivation to take out Saturday's clash.
The side will be seeking for revenge for their last clash against the Scorpions, which saw FC go down 4-1 at home.
"We are certainly not taking South Armidale lightly," Bartlett said.
"They are a young, fast and dangerous side, who really put us to the sword last time.
"We will have to really be on our toes, that's for sure."
Bartlett said his side had been focusing on sharpening up in offence ahead of this week's clash.
"Over the last few weeks we have not been finishing in front of goal as well as we would like," he said.
"Last week, the scoreline against Demon Knights probably didn't reflect how much control we had on the game and that was because we didn't finish well.
"We have been working hard on that at training and hopefully it pays off this weekend."
Bartlett said the club had seen "a few fresh faces" come into the first grade side this season.
"It has been great to see guys like Sam Williams Ryan and Hayden Davidson take their chances in first grade," he said.
"They have been great for us this season."
In the Premier League's other round 12 action, North Companions will play host to East Armidale while Demon Knights will look to rejoin the winner's least when they clash with Oxley Vale Attunga.
North Armidale has the bye.