Tamworth recorded its sixth win of season 2021 with what coach Chris Hughes described as a scrappy win over the sixth placed Kootingal White.
The win keeps FC at the top-of-the-table, four points clear of North Companions Black who also hammered home a win on Saturday.
“We lacked energy and went away from our strengths,” Hughes said.
“We were missing four players for the game so there were a few playing in positions that they weren’t all too familiar with, so it’s hard to be too critical.”
“I was pleased our defence didn’t allow them to have any shots at goal. We spoke about keeping our shape in defence, so it was good to see the back four execute that for the most part.”
Hughes will be hoping for a stronger performance when they play the second placed North Companions Black next weekend.
“Hopefully, we can get back to training and not be interrupted again by wet weather causing field closures,” he said.
“We’ll be working more on finishing our chances and continue to build on our defensive work of late.”
At the other end, there was plenty to be proud of in the Kootingal camp with the effort described by coach Cassi Cutmore as being “monumental given the power dynamic of Tamworth FC.”
“On the field they were constantly communicating and supporting each other to play the game,” Cutmore said.
“Again, these women continue to impress me… It was a great game to showcase what is women’s football during women’s football week.”
The onset of wet weather in recent weeks will mean all teams will be scrambling towards catch-up fixtures with the story no different for the Kougars.
“The whites now have their makeup game against OVA, so it is making sure we continue to develop those on field skills and communicate well to execute them,” Cutmore said.
“For the purples, again, their wash out game against Quirindi is next week. It will be crucial to get our passing game on point, but more to keep our heads in the game.”
At Marius Street, Emma James, and Lucy Gaynor both tallied four goals, while Emily Kavanagh claimed a hat-trick as Oxley Vale Attunga hammered North Companions White.
Claire McGuirk also scored directly from a corner with stand in coach Max Kavanagh full of praise for the side’s effort in both attack and defence.
“It was a great team performance across the board. There were no weak links with everyone contributing to a very pleasing performance,” he said.
“We were strong defensive, and the midfield performance provided a solid base for the girls to build some impressive attacking opportunities.”
Lucy Gaynor’s four goals included a number of contenders for strike of the season, with the focus for the Mushies now fixed on next weekend’s match against Kootingal White.
“Continue to work on the team’s shape and structure while looking to build on the current momentum,” Kavanagh said.
It was a tough day in the office for North Companions coach Pat Warren with the third-placed OVA too good for his side.
Down 7-1 at half-time it was tough viewing in the second stanza with the final score, 15-3.
“Every pass went to an OVA player, it just was not our day… OVA played a good game with pace in the back and strike up front,” Warren said.
In the weekend’s other matches, North Companions Black hammered Quirindi White by 20. South United were edged out 3-2 by Quirindi Blue.
“Due to injuries and players unavailable we only had nine players,” United coach Mark Ross said.
“Very proud of the girls as they played really well considering the numbers and we haven’t played for a couple of weeks.”
Goals to Georgia Smith and Nicola Ross weren’t enough to edge out the visiting Quirindi, with a bye weekend for United welcome news for Ross.
“With the next couple of weeks off it will give some players time to get over their injuries.”
