By MATT NICHOLLS
NORTHS United claimed its first win of the season when it defeated local rivals South Armidale at the Sportsground on Saturday.
Little separated the two sides, but a strong piece of play midway through the second half set up Willow Grieves for a goal, giving the Redmen a 1-0 victory.
Norths coach Andy Lennon said it was a good, even contest.
“I don’t like to point out inviduals when everyone in the team played well,” he said.
“I thought Jimmy Birmingham down the right-hand side worked hard, as did Riley Hopwood in goals.”
Souths coach Ruwan Cooper was one of the Scorpions’ best, along with fellow centre back Heath Milne.
“We just couldn’t take our opportunities,” Cooper said.
“Heath and Ben Wright were our best.”
Cooper said 1-0 losses were hard to take.
“When you lose three or four-nil you know you’ve been outplayed, but one-nil means it was pretty tight.”
Meanwhile, East Armidale enjoyed its first win of the year when it defeated Guyra 3-0 at Doody Park.
Neither side could find the back of the net in the opening half, but Easts came out firing after the break to earn their first points of the season.
Striker Jake Davies scored a brace for Suburbs, while Hoani Morrell also got one past the Guyra goalkeeper.
Coach Mark Gwynne said it was an improved performance.
“When we played Souths we had four regular first graders out and that showed,” he said.
“Guyra knocked the ball round well, but they didn’t go forward all that match.
“We probably should have scored a few more.”
The coach said Davies was Easts’ best, along with Mitchell Gwynne.
SCORES
Division 1 North: East Armidale 3 d Guyra 0; Norths United 1 d South Armidale 0; Joeys FC 7 d Gunnedah Hawks 1.
Division 2 North: East Armidale 9 d Guyra 0; South Armidale 2 d Norths United 1; Joeys FC 5 d Gunnedah Hawks 0.
Division 1 South: Moree 6 d Narrabri/Wee Waa 0; OVA 2 d Tamworth FC 1; North Companions 9 d Gunnedah United 0.
Division 2 South: Moree 9 d Narrabri/Wee Waa 1; Tamworth FC 2 drew OVA 2; Gunnedah United 3 d North Companions 1.
