NORTH Companions tackle South Armidale in a “do or die” New England Credit Union Premier League clash at Armidale Sportsground tomorrow.
The Scorpions lie fourth on the NECU Premier League first grade table, five points behind competition leaders Demon Knights but four points ahead of North Companions.
A loss to South would be disastrous, North Companions coach Darryl Smith said.
“It’s a do or die game for us with a bunch of kids again,” Smith said.
“But I have a feeling we can win this game.
“And the boys do know it’s do or die too.”
Smith’s “gut feeling” is despite a widening list of injuries.
Cameron Maher’s hamstring injury has him on the sideline along with fellow striker Josh Perizzolo, who has an MRI scan on Monday.
Also goalscoring midfielder Miguel Taliana is in England for a week and half while Tom Hungerford is at a Narrabri eisteddfod this weekend.
“Steve Holmes comes back in and I’m going to try Jarryd May up front with young Sween (Adam Sweeney) in the backline,” Smith said.
“I’m hoping Tim (Smith), Seth (Foy) and Caleb (Richardson) can control the middle for us.
“Young Mitch (Carrington) is also starting in first grade too and Josh Rindo is back too.”
South Armidale coach Craig Wright has three key players missing tomorrow.
Mike Stevens is out indefinitely with a knee injury sustained at training on Monday night, goalkeeper Andy Lennon is away for work and midfielder Dan Cannon is also unavailable.
“That’s three big holes to fill,” Wright said.
“It does give some of our young players another chance though.”
Michael Patterson and Pat Bullen, who filled in so capably during the first-round Northern Inland Cup matches, have been promoted while Jason Bowsward is also back to bolster the defence.
“Hopefully we’ve taken measures to address our going to sleep,” Wright said.
“We had a boot camp on Monday night.”
In other games tomorrow, competition leaders Demon Knights host Oxley Vale Attunga at Armidale Sportsground and North Armidale Reds play an improving East Armidale at North Armidale Sportsground.
NECUPL TABLE: Demon Knights 14, North Armidale 11, Oxley Vale Attunga 11, South Armidale 9, North Companions 5, East Armidale 0.