North Force midfielder Andrew Dunn has made a good start to the season for his side, who are unbeaten after four rounds. Photo / Laurence Berry
The North Force football franchise are treading in unfamiliar waters.
After yet another compelling performance in the Lotto NRFL Division two at the weekend, the Northland representative side have now won four games from four this season.
Coach Russell Baddeley is chuffed with the confident execution of his squad and says the team are keen to keep it up.
"I can't remember when we last won four in a row," Baddeley says.
"It's a good feeling."
North Force continued their dominant run with a 2-0 win over Papatoetoe at Kamo Sports Park on Sunday to send the visiting side home to Auckland licking their wounds.
Two goals in the first half, from Jeremy Rintoul and Mark Ruddell, provided the platform for their win, although Papatoetoe entered the back end of the game with a refreshed mindset.
"[We] played a better game [in the] first half but ended up weathering a bit of pressure in the second half," Baddeley says of North Force's win.
"Our supporters are enjoying it too.
"It was a very good turnout from them, [they were] very vocal."
North Force captain Scott Burgess was named player of the match, after an inspiring effort in the midfield.
The premier team's growing confidence is also backed by the recent signing of former Claudelands Rovers player Craig Oldridge.
"We've been after him for a while," Baddeley says.
"He's a quality player and a key asset."
The North Force reserves also had a good win with a 5-0 romp over Papatoetoe's reserve team.
North Force now remain one of the only teams within the Northern Football Federation fraternity who haven't conceded a goal this season.
Looking ahead, Baddeley is aware his team could be cast as the ones to beat if they can dismantle Papakura City this Saturday.
"It's one of those games. It will be our biggest game of the season," he says.
"They're similar to us [in that] they've strengthened over summer.
"They'll be very valuable points but if we get a win it will put us in a very commanding position."
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