Narrabri FC keen and ready for tomorrow’s Johnson Cup tournament in Tamworth

Local soccer side Narrabri FC will travel to Tamworth tomorrow to compete in the annual Johnson Cup pre-season tournament.

Twelve men’s teams from 10 clubs will compete at the 2021 event.

They include Narrabri FC and their Namoi Soccer League rivals Moree Services FC as well as teams from across the Northern Inland region including Oxley Vale Attunga FC (two teams), North Companions FC (two teams), Tamworth FC, Gunnedah FC, South Untied FC, Moore Creek FC, Hillvue Rovers FC, and Kootingal and District FC.

Teams have been split into three four-team pools. In 40-minute (20-minute half) matches, teams will play each of its pool opponents once.

The top-ranked sides from each pool and the highest-ranked second-placed team will make up the final four and advance to the semi-finals. The winners of those matches will progress through to the grand final which will kick off at 5pm to determine which team will be crowned the 2021 champion.

The tournament draw was released last week, with Narrabri FC being placed into pool one alongside 2020 Northern Inland Premier League champions Oxley Vale Attunga FC, Northern Inland Premier League team North Companions FC and the 2020 Tamworth Division Three minor premiers Hillvue Rovers FC.

The Narrabri club line up at almost full strength tomorrow morning, with only fullback Izaac Jeffries unavailable.

Narrabri FC coach Neil Brayshaw told The Courier he was keen for his side to test itself against the best teams from the Northern Inland region.

“It will be a good experience for us, playing against some different opposition to what we are used to,” Brayshaw said.

“We’ve never been over there to play in that and we’ll be playing against some good teams which we look forward to.

“I’m keen to see how we go.”

The Namoi Soccer League campaign will then start on Saturday, May 1. A draft draw has Narrabri FC taking on Wee Waa United FC at Hogan Oval from 3pm that day.