WHEN Tamworth FC and North Companions meet on Saturday there will be more than just competition points on the line.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The local rivals will be playing for pride and to honour the memory of Dan Haslam by competing for a trophy in his name.
Tamworth FC coach Greg Bartlett said the annual game was "about more than football".
"It's pretty special given Dan played for both clubs," Bartlett told the Leader.
"He played juniors for Northies, his senior football with us and throughout his time with us he was receiving treatment, but you'd never know.
"Whenever he would turn up to training or a game he was really positive and gave it his all.
"He was really inspiring, his family is fantastic and this annual game is a great way to honour him."
Read Also:
The Dan Haslam Memorial Trophy is in its sixth year, with FC holding onto the coveted prize for the last four years, after Northies claimed the inaugural trophy.
"It will be a good day all around because we have a charity day raising money for United in Compassion, which starts at 7.30am and runs all day," Bartlett said.
"The other special aspect to the day is that every Tamworth FC playing on the day will be playing on Johnson Field.
"Northern Inland Football deserve a lot of credit for helping make that happen and helping make the day even more special."
FC will be coming into the game off the back of a stirring come-from-behind 3-2 victory over North Armidale, while Northies squandered a 3-0 lead to finish with a draw against South Armidale.
However, Barlett said his side would be "taking no chances".
"Northies are a young team on the rise, who have given us some problems in the past," he said.
"We are by no means taking them lightly because they will want to get up for the occasion just as much as will.
"It will be a tough game for sure."
Bartlett said he would be relying on his experienced players to help drive the side to victory.
"Our older guys were key to victory last weekend and we will be looking to them again this week," he said.
"If we can make the most of our chances in front of goal, I'm confident we will go well."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
