From Inside The 18 Yard Box - NIPL

Match Review – DK V TFC
First things first you know it was a good game when you walk away with stud marks on your legs & chest, reminds me of how the game should be played. Players going in strong no whinging just playing the game how it should be played, hard & fair both ways. There was no malice in any tackles or challengers on the weekend just 2 sides giving it their all to win the game.
You can see why DK are solid at the back they are very structured in defence, TFC where only really only allowed about 3 or 4 good chances on goal.
From the kick off you could tell that TFC actually came to play their energy was up & they were trying to get themselves into the contest. DK I thought started a bit flat to what have seen in the past maybe they thought this game was going to be a walk in the park, but as the game built I thought I could see they thought to themselves they are in a contest here & the switch clicked. DK had a few good chances in the first 15 or so minutes but they were unable to convert those & TFC defended like their life depended on it. TFC had 2 good chances in the next 15mins but one was saved nicely by the DK keeper & the other one was sent over the bar. On about the 40min mark DK’s persistence paid off when they found the back of the net with some nice link up play inside the 18-yard box to go into he half 1-0 up.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first there was a lot of back & forth from both teams but definitely DK where having the better chances they could not just find the back of the net. On the other side their defence was shutting down every TFC raid & I believe they only allowed 2 shots on goal all half that is an effort big thumbs up to the DK defence. With about 15mins to go TFC were reduced to 10 men after Semi received his second yellow of the day. That actually seemed to spur TFC on tho they went for it with 15 mins to go they were throwing everything at DK but DK just kept pushing them back & trying to hit on the counter. With about 5mins to go DK sealed the win after there number 6 received the ball just outside the 18-yard box danced around a couple of TFC defenders to put the ball into the back of the net to end the game 2-0 to DK.
I thought TFC showed a lot of fight in this game they never let the occasion get the better of them as we know that when they face the top sides they have a tenancy to leak goals, but today was different they fought for one another & in the fight for third I the Southern Conference this was a good showing.
For DK they where solid you can see why they are undefeated still, they all just know their jobs & got on with playing football it is great see & they will be there come finals time.
That is this week’s review From Inside The 18-Yard Box !!

Northen Inland Premier League – Round 12 Preview
From Inside The 18 Yard Box !!

Well first things first what a sensational round 11 we had, led by last year GF champions saying, “don’t you forgot about me”. Last round threw out some crackers can the next round do the same.

Match of The Round – OVA V Westside
Could not look past this game at all as our match of the round could we.
Westside are coming off their first loss of the season & they will be out to make amends this weekend. OVA had a hard-fought draw against Namoi after a scintillating performance the week prior against the Goats, so we can tell this is going to be a good one.
Both sides have that attacking mindset so you know from the whistle this will be full on end-to-end action. They both also know how to defend so what ever they throw at each other will be thrown right back.
Westside do not want back-to-back losses so they will be determined to make this trip to Tamworth worth every bit & will throw everything including the kitchen sink at OVA.
OVA want some breathing space at the top of the Southern Conference ladder so we all know they will be ready this weekend.
There is not much more to say here, they are 2 sides that are in that top part of the table for a reason. Exciting, lethal & disciplined !!!
Feeling a draw on this one 2-2 !!

Easts V Souths
This game throws up an interesting contest against 2 teams that are desperate for a win, the battle of the cellar dwellers always throws excitement out there.
Easts are coming off yet another heavy loss last weekend & one must think what is going through the players heads when they are lacing up the boots. Everyway they look at the games it always throws up a challenge with the numbers they have, but they turn up week in week out & you have to applaud that.
Souths had the bus trip to fortress Inverell last weekend & came away with a loss but from experience that 4-0 loss also shows that you have fight & fight they have ol’Souths, they have a never give up attitude & it shows every week.
I am tipping Souths get the points this week 3-1 !!

Norths V Northies
Norths secured the win against their cross-town rivals last week & will be spurred on by that, they will need to be at their best this weekend to stop Northies.
Northies what more can you say but unreal game last week against the high-flying Goats, they showed the chasing pack for third that it is going to be tough to catch them & “come & get us”.
I am tipping Northies here 4-2 !!

Moore Creek V South Armidale
The Goats suffered a heavy to defeat to Northies last week & back-to-back losses is what they did not need at this stage of the season. One thing is for sure they will be fired up for this & will know they need to better to get over a South Armidale side that looks like it has turned around their season.
What a great win last week for South Armidale they defeated the league leaders & showed the rest of the comp not to write them off just yet. They are primmed & ready as they have hit the ground running to start the second half of the season & the goats are hurting & South Armidale will want to keep that hurt going.
I am tipping a draw here 3-3 !!

Hillvue V Inverell
Hillvue are coming off a tight lose last week to TFC & this week they get to host the high-flying Inverell in what is only Inverell’s second away game of the year. Hillvue will need to be switched on this weekend & take that fight they showed last week into this game.
Inverell on the road for only the second time all year, I know how they are at home I am keen to see how they will go this week on the road. They have drawn a good side to go up against here as Hillvue will give them a run for their money so I hope the lads get off the bus ready to go.
I am tipping Inverell here 4-0 !!

DK V TFC
DK go into this game as the only remaining undefeated team left in the comp, will that still be the case after the final whistle on Saturday.
On paper & on form this a walk in the park for DK, better attack than TFC & the best defence in the comp & it is that way for a reason, you can see that DK defend like a house on fire & are hard to break down. TFC will need to be on their game that is for sure.
TFC got the win last week & a nice little Hatty along the way for Anito taking him above the FGK as the leading goal scorer for TFC. This week they will need to be a few steps better than last week as last week they played a lot one out & where always looking for that superstar finish to get the goal when the easy option was there. The FGK will also need to be better he had a shocker last week & that second goal for Hillvue was all my dumb self.
This is sure to be a cracker with a lot on the line for both sides, DK can out even more pressure on Westside & for TFC they need to keep within striking distance for their third-place run.
I am not tipping this one !!

Namoi have the bye !!

Northen Inland Premier League – Mid Year Grade & Round 11 Preview
From Inside The 18 Yard Box !!

Well, we have officially reached the half way mark of the season, even tho we still have a few catch games in there to close out the first half but none the less this is the official halfway mark. Let’s rate the teams shall we.
Westside – Top of the table & have not looked like slowing down they are the team to beat – A
DK – Sitting second on the ladder & the best defence out there – A
Goats – Good first half of the season & will be there come finals time – B
OVA – Not the OVA we all know to start the first half of the season but still dangerous & will have a better second half – B
Inverell – The hype was real they will be there at the end of the season – B
Hiilvue – One of my surprise packets of the year fighting hard as per normal – C
Northies – The other surprise packet don’t sleep on them – C
South Armidale – Not the team they were last year but they are fighting now & results are showing – C
Namoi – Bringing 3 teams together first year was always going to hard – C
TFC – A start to the season that I think no one was expecting leading into it but they may just turn that corner – D
Souths – Not the season start they would have wanted but they will be looking at turning it around – D
Norths – Most likely not where they want to be but have not had good luck all year so if that turns around, they turn around – D
Easts – Well we know the situation at Easts this year, but that win will come - E

The Northern Conference barring a bad run of form should see Westside, DK & Inverell lock up the top 3.

The Southern Conference gets a little interesting, OVA & the Goats will be there it is third place that is still up for grabs & if any of the teams below the top 2 get on a run they may just take out that third spot. Just like that movie Semi-Pro the fight for third place is on !!!!

Match of The Round – TFC V Hillvue
On paper it looks like this a walk in the park for Hillvue, TFC have not shown much all year & Hillvue have been going from strength to strength. But this game plays a huge part in that fight for third place in the Southern Conference.
Let’s look at this game on form shall we.
Hillvue have technically not lost in 6 weeks (yes there is a few catch up games in there) so that in itself is a huge confidence booster. TFC well those guys are that up down who knows what team will turn up Saturday.
Hillvue just go about their business don’t really change much in the way they play week in week out, TFC well they seem to be changing each week not playing their game but trying to play the other team’s game that hurts you.
Hillvue will want to win this game to open up a gap on TFC as TFC have a few games in hand on them & if they lose this weekend & TFC win both their catch-up games they will leapfrog Hillvue.
There is not much more you can say about the game apart from both sides are evenly matched across the park it will just come down to who wants it more. This game is all about the third place run as the other teams fighting it out will not want either team getting closer or further away from them.
This fight for third is like a story within a story, you have the top two sides just doing their thing apart of the NIPL story as a whole, then you have this group of chasers writing another story as within the next 3 to 4 weeks we will see which team or teams of this group are the headliners of this act which has the potential to make for one hell of a story. Could this fight bring out the best in a team that come finals time no one will want to play them time will tell !!
Not tipping this one !!

Inverell V Souths
Inverell are coming off a solid win against TFC & one would think this continues this week. They are a class outfit Inverell & at home they are dominant, they will be making sure they keep the pressure on the top 2.
Souths are coming off a loss to Northies last week & when you look at this game you just think to yourself you want to go out & put up a good fight. I think Souths style of play may unsettle Inverell so hopefully they play that game & put up a good contest.
I am tipping Inverell tho 5-0 !!

Norths V Easts
Norths had a tight loss to South Armidale last week & will be looking to start the second half strong with a win over East’s to pull away from the bottom of the ladder.
Easts suffered another loss last week, but they may just look at this game as the game they can jag their first win.
I am tipping a draw here 2-2 !!

Moore Creek V Northies
The Goats would not be happy with last week’s performance & you know they will be on am mission this week. Last weeks loss allowed OVA to go equal on points & they will need to keep winning now to keep them at bay to secure top spot.
Northies will be spurred on by last weeks win as it stopped the slide they were on, but the task to continue does not get any easier for them this week. The Goats are hurting & Northies know that after a loss is a good time to inflict more pain so they will come prepared.
This is actually are hard one to tip but I have to go Goats here 3-1 !!

Westside V South Armidale
Westside are rested & will be roaring to go here, they seem unstoppable at the moment these guys. They have ended the first half on top & will be looking to keep it going for the next 10 weeks.
South Armidale had a tight win over Norths & the last few weeks have been solid so their confidence is up. They will need to just take their game to next level this weekend to try & stop Westside.
I am tipping Westside here 3-1 !!

Namoi V OVA
These two sides are good friends, they talk to one another & play friendlies against each other but don’t look into that to much as they both want to beat each other just the same.
Namoi will be disappointed with their loss last week to DK but at the same time the bus trips brings you closer together so they will all be up for this one. When you play against OVA you just wake up in the morning wanting to play better than your best & the whole team will want to do that this weekend.
OVA well was last week a statement (“don’t write us off we are OVA”) win for them to show the rest of the comp they mean business, I will let you decide that one. That aside they are a gun team & have talent all over the park they are hard to break down & Namoi will need to be a step above their best to beat them.
I am tipping OVA here 4-1 !!

DK have the bye !!

Match Review - Inverell V TFC

Firstly the hospitality from Inverell, they are very welcoming to you and the lads really appreciated it so massive thanks to Damien and Inverell FC.
Secondly for the first time all season TFC did not give away a PK when playing on a Saturday.
The game started and it was TFC that pushed early in the opening few seconds but the Inverell defence was up to the challenge and cut it down before any shot could take place. From there the game was all Inverell for the first 5 or so mins a they struck first off a corner, the corner came across Inverell headed it forward towards goal and Inverells left winger pop up between 3 TFC defenders to head it home. That goal acutely work TFC and started to actually play football same for the next 30mins the game was back and forth with TFC defending well against a lively Inverell front 3 and Inverells defenders closing down TFC chances and forcing them to try there luck from distance which the Inverell keeper was able to deal with at ease. About 10mins to go in the first half Inverell struck again to go into the break 2-0. The half time talk for TFC was actually a positive one as even tho they were down they actually did not drop their heads for the first time all year and it was great to see.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first half both sides where giving there all and Inverell took their chances and TFC did not. Inverell scored 2 more in the second half to run out 4-0 winners.
For Inverell Damien mentioned that TFC did not allow them to play their normal game and it shows that this Inverell team is quality as they were able to adjust where needed to still win this game.
For TFC the biggest take away was they where asked to show up today and regardless of the result make sure they left it all on the field and they actually did that for the first time all season and to end the first half of the season on that note should make for a better second half for them as they push for finals football as the third place scramble is tight.

That is this week’s match review brought to you From Inside The 18 Yard Box !!

Northen Inland Premier League – Round 10 Preview
From Inside The 18 Yard Box !!

It is not realty a hard choice this week for match of the round is it, I was going to ask the coaches & players a few questions about this game but I thought I would love to just write about this game & these 2 teams from the outside looking in !!

Match of The Round – OVA V Moore Creek
First things first what a sensational thing the goats did in round 9, one could only think that with them scheduled to play OVA the week after the long weekend they did not want to go 3 weeks without a game. A special mention must also go to East’s for changing the game to Armidale awesome stuff guys.
Let’s get into it shall we.
There is no love loss between these 2 teams we all know that they are out to best each other on & off the field. OVA have done what the Goats want to do & that is win premierships.
2022 was the year you could see the Goats wanted to go for greatness, they recruited well after Gunnedah pulled out of the comp & they went all in that year, they came up short & as an outsider I could see what I thought they needed to go that extra step. 2023 came & they recruited the positions they needed but they again could not get over that final hurdle to make the GF. That brings us to this year & I feel they have found that missing piece & that is Andy, say what you want about him, but he has instilled a sense of ownership & accountability to the team & you can see that the players have taken that on board. I can see in their eyes what they want they want top spot on the combined ladder (and that elusive GF) & this game goes a long way to achieving that.
2020 was the year OVA decided enough was enough they saw TFC take out 2 GF’s in a row & they wanted to stop that, they had a few old heads come back into the team & went on a streak & took out 2020, 2021 (short season) & 2022. 2023 I thought was one that got away from them they had one boggy team all year & they could not find a way to defeat South Armidale. Say what you want about last year this year they went out & found a few new players to help strengthen the squad & get more depth. I see OVA want to take out this comp this year (who wouldn’t) & be the first name on the combined comp trophy.
They have met once this year already & that ended in a draw but they were both coming off Saturday games so their legs may have been a bit tired, I don’t see that happening again this time around. They have each had a break & given players a chance to rest, recover & prime themselves for a game I think will go a long way to deciding the Southern Conference top spot.
This game will be tight all over the park with neither team wanting to give an inch & there is also quality all over the park on both sides. They have had 2 weeks to prepare for this, the training sessions would have been intense they both know this is a huge game & bragging rights go a long way.
This may be a bold statement here but whoever wins this game wins the Southern Conference, can’t wait for 5pm Saturday to see how this one ended.
Not tipping this one !!

DK V Namoi
DK are coming off an extended break due to their last game being postponed but we all know how primed & ready they are. They have an absolute rock of a defence making them super hard to break down. The structure they have all over the park makes them a great team watch.
Namoi would be disappointed with their loss to South Armidale after their performance against Westside, I for one thought they would get over the line in that game. That being said they now know how long that trip from Narrabri to Armidale is so this week they may just be better prepared.
I am tipping a draw here 1-1 !!

Easts V Hillvue
You all know the respect I have for East’s & what they are ding this year, yes last round that got man handled by the Goats but a week off for rest could not have come at a better time for them. We all know they will turn to play their hearts out & that elusive win is just around the corner.
Hillvue are also coming off an extended break but if you are looking for motivation after this break just look at the Southern Conference ladder & 3rd place could be theirs with a win this weekend.
I am tipping a draw here as I feel it is time for East’s to get their first point of the year 2-2 !!

Norths V South Armidale
Norths had a defeat at the hands of Inverell last round, but most teams don’t come away from Inverell with any points. Norths also have a few games in hand on South Armidale so to win this weekend & if they jagg a few from their catch-up games they could start to pull away from them bottom of the ladder & start to catch South Armidale. Norths will be ready for this game.
South Armidale will be full of confidence after beating Namoi last time out & you know that when you play against Soth Armidale, they will be ready for anything you throw at them. They will want to keep winning as they will not want Inverell to get any further ahead of them in the fight for third.
I am tipping South Armidale here 2-1 !!

Northies V Souths United
Northies travelled to the lion’s den at Westside & came away with what I believe is confidence boosting loss. You look at losses as un-motivating but when you put up the fight they did against this years top team you take a lot away for that.
Souths are also apart of that group that got an extended break, but I actually think this will be great for them as they got that extra rest. The question you ask yourself is what Souths team will show up this weekend, I hope it is the Souths I know as that will make for one entertaining contest.
I am tipping Northies here 2-1 !!

Inverell V TFC
Well, I am not biased at all (lol) but this is my match of the round.
This game I feel could go 2 ways, an absolute blood bath or one hell of a contest.
Let’s face it we are looking at 2 teams that are on opposite sides of the spectrum, Inverell have only been stopped once this year they are playing great football & have made this new comp one hell of a comp. TFC on the other hand have only been “in” 3 games all year the other 3 they have been absolutely man handled, yes that was against teams that are all sitting in the top 4 this year so you do have to think about those games the other way.
This game has come at an absolutely sensational time for TFC (yes that may sound a bit weird) but if they are looking at playing finals football this year playing Inverell right now with the second half of the season starting next weekend this game will really let TFC know where they stand. So you have to ask yourself what TFC will turn up to play this week, the team that is full of heart & determination is what I hope.
Inverell will want to win this game, they have South Armidale breathing down their neck below them & they will not want DK getting further in front of them. Damien will have his team primed & ready, yes they suffered their first loss in the Australia Cup last weekend but that loss comes with PRIDE, pride for the club, the NIPL & the players most importantly what they have done this year so far is great for everyone.
Bring on fortress Inverell Sporting Complex I say, I can’t wait to see this place & meet these guys for the first time. I am throwing it out there to my fellow teammates at TFC, I want the bus ride home to be full of pride, results a side I want us to be on that bus knowing we gave everything we had & left it out there on the field.
Not tipping the one !!

Westside have the bye !!

Northen Inland Premier League – Round 9 Preview
From Inside The 18 Yard Box !!

Will there actually be any football this week with the rain that is set to hit us ? I am sure the teams want to play to lets hope the rain gods are good to us…

Match of The Round – Westside V Northies
On paper this game looks like an easy win for Westside, they are undefeated sitting first on the ladder & playing some unbelievable football. Northies are on the slide with back-to-back losses against teams that I thought they would beat, I guess the curse is real so maybe I should tip against them this week.
For Westside this game is business as usual for them, turn up play great football & go home winners. The proof has been in their performances all year they have the best attack in the comp & the equal best defence to go with that, they are just a formidable team that has everything going right for them so far & that is not luck that is attitude of the players & great coaching. You could go on & on about this team that is how good they are playing (& yes as you all know I am fan boy) they just come prepared for every game their stye does not change they play Westside football week in week out & it works.
For Northies it is different, they have let 2 games get away from them & that has allowed the chasing pack to close the gap on third place which is something that they would not have wanted to happen. As I have said earlier, with them starting the season late & talk of them not having much of a squad you thought this may have not been their year but in true Northies fashion they came out & played Northies football & the wins followed. The last 2 weeks tho have been a bit of a surprise & they will be looking to turn the table this weekend & what better way to do that than against Westside, they know they will have to turn up to this one.
We know what Westside team will turn up Saturday what Northies team will turn up !!
I am tipping Westside 3-1 !!

Inverell V Norths United
Last week’s draw against DK shows this Inverell team won’t dwell on the past, yes they got man handled by the goats but they turned that around with a hard-fought draw against DK. They mean business this year, Damien & the lads are ready to leave their mark on the NIPL & the style of football they play is great to watch.
Norths are coming off a heavy loss to OVA last week on the road, but they are at home this week & they always play better at home. They have not had a good clean run this year Norths with a few games postponed this year, that in itself is hard on you as you know have a few double headers coming up so you start to think about player management.
I do feel that Inverell will run away with this one, I am tipping Inverell 4-0 !!

Moore Creek V Easts
The Goats are coming off the bye so we know they will be fresh & with OVA having the bye this week they can go outright top of the Sothern Conference. It has taken a few seasons for the goats to click & by God have they clicked this year, Andy has worked his magic & turned this team around from pretenders to contenders. Yes I said pretenders, the last few years they talked the talked but never walked the walk, this year they are walking & walking tall !!!!
Easts are coming yet another heavy loss last weekend this time at the hands of TFC, but as I said in my match review hats off to these lads you have my support this year.
I am tipping the goats here 5-1 !!

Hillvue V DK
Hillvue are coming off a great win against Northies, if there is ever a way to boost your confidence it is to beat the team you are chasing on table & they did it in style. Two wins in row now so they will be looking to keep the streak alive this weekend.
DK are coming off a draw against Inverell & still undefeated this year, second on the Northern Conference ladder & flying high. They don’t score many goals, but boy do they have a rock-solid defence. Defence wins comps that has always been said, they may just need to find their range in front of goal & this weekend could be a good start.
I am tipping DK here 2-0 !!

South Armidale V Namoi
South Armidale secured their second win of the season last weekend against Souths & will be looking to continue that this weekend. Has not been the best start to the season for last years GF winners but they are not out of it yet & a few wins in row has them knocking on the door of third place in the Northern Conference.
Namoi may have got beat 3-2 last week to Westside but that is a confidence booster right there, it shows them that they can mix it with the big boys. The Southern Conferences race for third is heating up as there is only six points that separate third to last so a win here could see Namoi equal third.
I think Namoi will jag this one 2-1 !!

South United V TFC
Well look what we have here, the last time these two teams met it took three goes to get the game played & finished, what can we expect this week !!
Souths are coming off hard fought loss to South Armidale last weekend but at the same time they beat TFC only a few weeks ago in the game that kept giving. Souths again are having one of those seasons when you play them you just don’t know what team will turn up, one thing is for sure tho they will be looking at this game as one that they need to win with the race for third being so tight.
TFC on the other hand are coming of a great win against Easts & they will be looking to keep that momentum going as they push to climb the ladder. The best parts of last week where they kept a clean sheet finally & they did not rely on the FGK to score goals, so it was a win win for them.
Both these teams may be sitting last & second last on the Southern Conference ladder (another battle of the cellar dwellers) but both know that a win this weekend could see them move a few spots up the ladder & put pressure in the teams above. So expect an entertaining game as both teams will be out for 3 points as 1 point does not really help here
Not tipping the one !!

OVA have the bye !!

Match Review - TFC V East’s

First things first here massive shout out to East Armidale, I and we at TFC know the feeling of only having 18 players for 2 games every week and to keep showing up even tho the odds are not in your favour is a true testament of love for the game.

Secondly great day for TFC all round with both men’s teams and both women’s teams picking up wins.

And third for TFC men’s about time someone other than the FGK is scoring goals lol. TFC now have 3 atop of the golden boot race with the club, the FGK, el’captian Chris Hughes and Breeza after his hatty against East’s.

The talk before the game from TFC was about East’s and the fact we know how they feel and we need to make sure we do not underestimate them as teams that turn up like this can and will jag a few wins this year.

The game started strong for TFC with raid after raid on the East’s goal and they should have been up by a few in the first 10mins but missed a few sitters to say the least, but it was Breeza that broke the deadlock with a great run from Freza down the right he cut the ball across goal and Breeza was on hand to tap it into the net. Not long after that his brother Blair was in the right place to guide the ball into the back of the net after some handy work down the right again from TFC. About 30mins into the game Chris Hughes let fly from distance to make it 3-0. While that was a great goal it did look like others wanted to do the same and there were a few pot shots being had by TFC who had gone away from what was working for them. During this time it seemed East’s where gaining confidence and of should as they had 2 good attacking raids on the TFC goal but where unable to get on the score sheet.

The second half started lively with East’s attacking from the kickoff but again with no luck, 5mims into the second half Breeza was one hand again for his second of the game and surprise surprise it was due to TFC doing what they did for the first 30mins of the game that brought this goal about. About 10mins into the second half the TFC PK streak continued with them giving away yet another spot kick (look at these stats - every game TFC have played on a Saturday they have given away a PK, so when you face them on a Saturday there is a 100% you will get one lol, let’s try to stop that shall we boys). Unfortunately for East’s the spot kick was saved by the FGK. You could see east’s started to get tired in the seconds half and as they should 9 of them played ressies well that was my count, and they where just going after the counter attacks but the TFC defenders held strong and shut down all the raids. TFC found the back of the net 3 more time to close out the game 7-0 winners and while TFC played some good football in this game and deserved to win as they dominated 90% of the match, I just can’t go past the attitude of East’s they turned up and played with heart, you can’t teach that you either have it or you don’, so from me to you East Armidale I wish all the best this season the results may not fall your way but one thing is for sure you have my support as I know first hand the struggles this year will bring you and you will come out the other side a better club because of it.

That is this week’s game review from The FGK !