TAMWORTH FC has claimed a vital win in a classic match against North Armidale on Saturday.
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Playing host to Norths at Scully Park, the two sides went into the half-time break deadlocked at 0-0 after both sides were unable to convert chances in front of goal.
However, it was Norths who came out firing after the break, scoring two goals within the first 20 minutes of the half.
All looked lost for the reigning premiers until Troy Hearfield converted a penalty, which turned the tide.
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From there Kurt Barrow helped FC find the back of the net two more times to pull off a stunning 3-2 win.
FC coach Greg Bartlett said the game was "a tight tussle" throughout.
"I think to come back like we did was a true credit to our guys," Bartlett told the Leader.
"We didn't really make the most of our chances in the first half and Norths made us pay in the first 20 minutes of the second half.
"But to our guys credit, they kept fighting back and played the game out until the final whistle."
The victory sees FC sit seven points clear on top of the Premier League ladder, ahead of North Armidale in second.
"North Armidale are a quality side," Bartlett said.
"I think the too probably didn't capitalise on all of their chances, which is something that has hurt us in the past as well.
"There was some really good football played throughout the game."
Bartlett said the game was the "perfection preparation" for finals.
"I'm not one of these people, who believes you have to have a loss before the finals," he said.
"I think a win like that, where we have had to come from behind, is exactly what we are after in the lead up to finals.
"Saturday's game may well be a preview to what could happen come finals, but you can't really count any of the teams out.
"It's such a competitive season and that win is really handy for us."
In the round's other action, North Companions drew 3-3 with South Armidale, while Oxley Vale Attunga defeated East Armidale 6-1.