Soccer: Oxley Vale Attunga make it three-from-three with 2-nil win over North Companions

The veteran defender suffered the injury mid-way through the 2-nil win and will, Mushies coach Tim Coates said, miss Saturday's clash with Moree Creek.

He doesn't expect him back for Gunnedah FC the week after either.

It took some of the shine off what was a good win against a tough opposition.

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"North Companions are well-organised, and fit and fast," Coates said.

"I think we had good possession and good pitch position for probably 65 per cent of the game."

Adam Watson showed his versatility, scoring a goal and then pushing back into the backline when Fergie went off. Pending "a lot of negotiation", as Coates tongue-in-cheek quipped, he will play at the back against the Mountain Goats.

On Thursday night, he put them ahead midway through the first half with a 'watto' classic; volleying the ball to beat the keeper from about 28m out.

"The goal he scored there's probably only three players in the competition who could do that," he said.

Joel Carter then made it 2-nil early in the second half.

Coates thought the teenager and his cohorts in the midfield - Jem Barbara, Sam Higgins and captain Lachlan Browne - were great for them.

"It's the best I've seen them play as a unit for a long time," he said.

He has been really happy with the way the two youngsters in Carter and Barbara have been playing.

"Joel was doing really well last year but he's come on another level this year," he said.

Barbara has meanwhile "kicked on again" after a strong season in reserve grade last season.

Thursday night's win saw the Mushies join Gunnedah FC on three wins (from three) at the top of the table.

"We're getting better all the time," Coates said.

"We've got three or four new players into the first grade team and are playing a slightly different shape."

That is going to take time.

Coates did see a bit of the Mountain Goats against Kootingal in the first round, but isn't sure what to expect. They are a bit of a unknown after losing a few players from last season and picking up a few players from out of town.

Elsewhere Kootingal clash with Tamworth FC and North Companions take on South United.

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