Namoi United stretch undefeated start to four games

When Narrabri, Wee Waa and Moree soccer players made up Namoi United back in 2016, they endured a horror start to the season that included four consecutive losses in which they were outscored 33 goals to two.

What a difference almost a decade makes.

After the Carps folded in 2017 and the Namoi Premier League competition returned, the quality of the players in the region began to strengthen, as did the belief that a return to the NIPL would be far more successful than the 2016 season proved to be.

Last year’s comeback into Northern Inland’s premier competition was a successful one as the club’s first grade side finished two wins short of a spot in the finals.

Another slow start impacted them but it was far better than eight years prior as they lost twice by a combined four goals, drew one and won one.

This year’s start has been better than anyone could have imagined as the side continue to punch above their weight against both Tamworth and Armidale opposition.

Following three straight wins in the first grade competition, Namoi United travelled to Armidale for the first time on Saturday to play an East Armidale United side that had lined up in two games and won them both. They contested a 1-all draw in cold and wet conditions at Doody Park to finish the weekend as two of the four teams that are still unbeaten after six rounds.

East Armidale went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead after they opened the scoring on the 40-minute mark, but Namoi United equalised in style as club president Matt Urquhart spotted the goalkeeper off his line and launched a shot from the halfway line that found the back of the net.

The hosts had a player sent off with about 30 minutes left to play but Namoi United were unable to capitalise and the score ended up 1-1.

The combined Narrabri/Wee Waa/Moree club’s coach Neil Brayshaw told The Courier he was proud of the way his side defended but thought they could have made more of the extra man advantage after the send off.

“We were very good defensively. I was very pleased with that,” Brayshaw said.

“We went away from our structure with how we want to control the ball and build up play though, which is a vital part of the game. We broke down a bit in that area and it’s one thing we’ll be working on during this week.

“The conditions were horrendous over there. Wind, rain would come over, then the sun would come out but not for long.

“We only went over there with 22 players, so it was a good result for both grades with first and reserves both having a 1-all draw.

“The boys all really played for one another, especially defensively. It just wasn’t our day in front of goals. We missed a lot of chances.

“East Armidale went down to 10 men with about 30 minutes to go and I think it was them who stepped up more after that. They are a physical side and they compete for everything.

“I think we could have done better after that red card. We just tried to go through them too quickly with through balls instead of moving the ball around.

“You always take a point on the road though, especially in Armidale. I’m really happy with where we’re sitting on the ladder, and we still have a lot of improvement in us.”

Namoi United are third on both the southern conference ladder and the overall ladder after six rounds. Moore Creek are first and Oxley Vale Attunga are ranked second. They are both on 12 points, but OVA have played six games compared to Moore Creek and Namoi United’s four.

The combined Narrabri/Wee Waa/Moree club are on 10 points following their three wins and one draw.

A 1-all draw in reserve grade saw the Namoi United team extend their unbeaten streak to two games after they lost their first two games of the season. They are now ranked sixth on the southern conference ladder and are seventh overall.

Namoi United are back at home at Hogan Oval this Saturday in round seven as they prepare to welcome Tamworth outfit North Companions to town.