Inverell FC returned home with two premierships in hand after three grades played in the New England League grand final at Armidale.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As minor premiers Inverell FC's first grade side were expecting to go up against Guyra, but a semi-final upset saw TAS advance instead.
Inverell were determined to not repeat history after losing to TAS in last year's grand final.
Coach Kyle Chilcott described the game as a "cagey affair".
"It was less of playing football and more about not making a mistake. We got a goal maybe 20 minutes in off a corner by Joe Smith, who I don't think has ever scored a header in his life."
At half time the score was 1-0 to Inverell and the game plan was to stay compact and hold on.
The lost of standout player Eduardo Monteiro to injury in the last 20 minutes had the team worried but Chilcott said it was defense that got his side across the line.
"You can't lose if they don't score. Matt Cramp was our centre-back he had his work cut out for him. He was named player of the final."
Inverell FC's young, third grade side were up against a mature South Armidale team with a home advantage.
The Armidale side managed to score first off a penalty before Inverell's Dom Wales pocketed the ball to make the score 1-1.
An obviously aggravated South Armidale side had a player sent off 25 minutes into the game.
Inverell's Josh Cashel scored two goals after half time which fired up the opposition even more.
Another two stellar goals from Inverell followed.
The game was called of with 10 minutes to go as five Armidale players were sent off. Inverell won 5-1. Sam Flood was awarded the match ball.
Second grade unfortunately went down to Armidale City Westside after a controversial call, an Inverell player sent off and a few minor errors.
The final score was 3-1.
"We had plenty of chances but we couldn't tuck the ball away. Eventually when you only have 10 men, you run out of gas and in the last 20 minutes, they ran over the top of us."
The result was disappointing for the second grade side who were New England League premiers last year.