Gunnedah’s third grade soccer team recorded its maiden triumph of the season while the fourth graders won their third successive fixture, as both teams played at the Tamworth-based Gipps Street Sporting Complex last Friday night.
The thirds defeated North Companions 2-0, before the fourths trounced Kootingal 6-1.
Following two narrow losses, Gunnedah’s third graders scored two goals in the first half before the second half was scoreless.
Theo Atkins scored both goals as he continued to show his development, after starting the season in fourth grade.
Neither of Gunnedah’s goalkeepers were under much pressure while the North Companions goalkeeper made some good saves.
Gunnedah could have scored another two or three goals, but several attempts went wide of the target.
Gunnedah manager Richard Grant said it was a “confidence-boosting win” while it was “nice to get back on track”.
While Gunnedah’s fourth graders remained undefeated following their biggest win of the season so far, the game was much closer than the scoreline suggested.
Gunnedah scored the only goal of the first half, before Kootingal equalised against the run of play in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Gunnedah finally clicked as good teamwork resulted in a spate of goals, with Pete Thurbon and Dan Duffy scoring three each.
Grant said the players were disappointed when their opponents levelled the score, as Gunnedah had had the upper hand.
“The confidence is there. Sometimes you can’t beat confidence,” he said.
Grant said the players were learning what senior soccer was all about while “it’s a good pathway for them”.
“There’s a long way to go but things look good,” he said.
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