Reserve grade has now won four games straight with many players fighting for elevation into first grade.

“Boyd McCormack is now a first grade starter back there [in defence] and will fight for a spot with Welington Sardinha, Mitchell Whitten, Justin Lawrence and Matt Davis who will return this week,” Cygan said.

“The young players, Jayden Thomas, Kaleb McIlveen and Rowan Keeler are now pushing for starting spots in first grade which is great for us.”

Reserve grade’s latest win came at home against the Kootingal Kougars on Saturday. It was a close one with the first goal coming from speedy striker McIlveen.

An exceptional pass from centre Nathan McDonald found McIlveen who made a big run through the middle before scoring. McDonald had a solid game in the middle and was well supported by the hard-working Nathan Hobart. Rowan Keeler was then able to score with a well-placed strike to beat the Kootingal keeper to hand FC a 2-0 half-time lead.

Jake Manley and Daniel Pengilly played well in defence for Gunnedah FC but the visitors soon managed to scrape a goal back.

Kooty dominated possession in the final 15 but a gutsy finish gave FC the 2-1 win.

Coach Alexzanna Budge was again impressed with the efforts of the young players in her team – McIlveen, Keeler and Myles Conn who pushed hard right to the end.

In first grade, it was another hard-fought 3-0 win as FC ended up with two players at the local hospital.

Justin Lawrence injured his ankle in a hard challenge and will likely miss a couple weeks. Sardinha took an elbow to the face – which saw his opponent red-carded – and needed stitches.

It was Zac Crowhurst who broke the deadlock before half-time, tapping in on the line after good work by captain Matt Williams.

More chances were created in the second half but it was Bailey Keeler who got the second goal with a brave effort after lifting the ball over the advancing keeper and colliding with him.

Rowan Keeler then got the third and final goal with a cool left foot finish.

“Great effort by the guys and another game with a clean sheet. We’ve now played six games and only conceded a penalty shot,” coach Cygan said.

“Whoever we play at the back, they do a fine job. After Justin went off we put David Silver back there and he was probably my best on field.”

This Saturday sees FC take on local rivals Gunnedah United Hawks and Cygan said “anything could happen”.

“We’ll be massive favourites in first grade but I’m sure Richard Grant will have them fired up,” he said.

“Reserves will have a tough game as Hawks first grade side are now their reserve grade side since they merged with United.

“As long as it’s played in the right manner, they will be two great games and we’re very keen to get into it.”

Lawrence and Whitten will miss the match. Davis returns. Sardinha and Cygan – who’s had a hamstring injury – are hopeful of playing.