NORTH Companions will be looking to continue their recent run of good form in Sunday's Premier League first semi-final against South Armidale.
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Northies have lost just one game since July 6, (3-1 to North Armidale) and are coming into Sunday's clash off a bye in round 21.
However, the impressive record in the second half of the season was not enough for Northies to earn a finals berth.
Instead, Oxley Vale Attunga's 2-0 loss to Tamworth FC saw Northies claim fourth place.
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Northies coach Jackson Zifodya described waiting to know his team's finals fate as "being stuck in limbo".
"The bye was an interesting one for us because while some guys might have taken the chance to rest up, others would have liked to play and keep the momentum going," Zifodya told the Leader.
"We were stuck in limbo not knowing if we would be playing this week, but now we are out of limbo and ready to go."
Northies and the Scorpions could not be separated when they last met in round 13, as the sides finished with a 3-3 draw.
A result which has filled Zifodya with confidence.
"I am confident we can match it with any other team inside the top four," he said.
"We have a very good blend of youth and experience, with all of our guys having played at this level before, which should hold us in good stead."
Zifodya said "a strong defensive effort" would be key to his side's chances of winning on Sunday.
"If we can limit our silly mistakes and start well, we can go a long way to winning on Sunday," he said.
"Souths are a very good team, so that might be easier said than done, but I have full confidence our team can do it.
"One thing I am sure of is our team will leave nothing out there, so hopefully we can come away with a good result."