North Companions overcame a couple of mid-game injuries to wrest back the Dan Haslam Memorial Trophy from Tamworth FC's grasp and move within a win of second spot on the Northern Inland Premier Division ladder.
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The 1-nil win, coupled with South United's loss to Oxley Vale Attunga, has seen Companions close to a point adrift second-placed Souths and emboldened their hopes of finishing in the top two. Importantly too it keeps them five points clear of Gunnedah FC in fourth.
The game was about more than the points though with the two sides honouring a much loved former team-mate. Haslam played his junior football with Companions and his senior football with FC.
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Now into it's eighth year, FC usually make it a charity day raising money for United in Compassion. Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions they weren't able to do that but the silverware was still on the line.
Assuming the coaching reins for Companions, Andrew Beer described it as a gutsy win.
Ben Sharp suffered "a nasty leg break" (he broke both bones in his leg) early in the game, which as well as losing him meant Pat Strong had to play big minutes backing up from reserve grade.
They then lost Ben Todd to a reoccurance of a hamstring injury just before half-time.
Not though before he slotted the only goal of the game, with a good strike off his left foot from a throw-in from Ben van Aanholt.
Coming probably mid-way through the first half, Beer said there weren't too many nervous moments as they clung to the one goal lead.
"Both teams struggled to create clear chances and the game didn't really get a great deal of momentum at all," he said.
"It was a struggle for both teams to keep possession."
Saturday's win was Companions fourth from their last five games.
"I think that we're starting to be able to run out games a bit better.
"Fitness has been a bit of an issue," Beer said.
"The other thing that's started to happen is some of the younger guys have started to find their feet."
He thought Zac Walters had his best game of the season in the centre midfield. Kilian Apen was also outstanding again at left back.
Beer also noted young Eoin Shepherd who came on for Todd, and tried really hard.
Back for the last couple of weeks, Andrew Mahony was also solid in defence.
