Gunnedah Hawks could count themselves a little unlucky after drawing 1-1 with Oxley Vale in last weekend’s Tamworth league match.
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The Hawks had it won until an Oxley penalty spot kick levelled the score with only 10 minutes remaining.
Gunnedah coach Gary Sams was disappointed to lose the win but impressed by the competitive showing of his under-strength first grade side.
“We four or five players out,” Sams said. “It made second grade a little scratchy.”
First grade’s opening goal was scored by Hawks’ best on ground Glen Blewitt. He finished off a free kick, chipping over the keeper to score.
The Hawks were scheduled for round byes in the coming weeks due to school holidays but might also play catch-up games lost to wet weather.
Encountering more success on the weekend was Gunnedah FC.
They clinched a 4-1 win against a spirited Quirindi side which “never gave in”, FC coach Andy Cygan said.
“They scored first from the first corner of the game.
“We weren't switched on at the start and allowed a free header.”
Gunnedah drew level when Cygan scored off his second attempt before making it a double shortly after to go 2-1 up.
Then a brilliant strike by Rob Pryor was saved by the Quirindi keeper.
Matt Williams pounced on the rebound to ensure his boys went into the break leading 3-1.
Pryor, Sam Hos and Harry Pollock came close to scoring in the second half but were denied.
It took a penalty kick from a handball to allow Cygan to score his third goal of the match and wrap up the win for Gunnedah.
The victory strengthened their top of the table position but comes after coach Cygan called for more boots on the ground to help fill a mid-season void left by departing players.
“We could be on the verge bringing an A Grade league title to Gunnedah in our first year,” Cygan said on Tuesday. “But this can only happen with some help.”