Monthly Archives: August 2016

Without the injured Danny Ireland, Jacob Bailey and Daniel Bird and in front of a bumper crowd at Darling St Oval, Hamilton Olympic began the game aggressively against a very compact Broadmeadow Magic team which was protecting a 3-1 lead from the first leg match.

The first 45 minutes were a tight physical encounter by both teams with no clear cut goal scoring opportunities for either side. Magic played with every player behind the ball and tried to catch Olympic on the break. Knowing that if Magic scored first, Olympic would have to find 4 goals to get to the grand-final, the boys in blue played with intensity and caution.

The second half was as tight and compact as the first and it appeared that only a flash of brilliance from a player would break the deadlock.

In the 56^th minute a lapse in concentration by the Magic defence on the edge of the box enabled Kane Goodchild to dummy a ball to Simon Mooney who found enough time for a snap shot at the Magic goal and for the score to become 1-0!

The Olympic players begin to buzz as the tie is there for the taking. Suddenly they are now finding space to move despite Magic continuing to play a compact game. They pepper the Magic goal with a series of half chances as they hunt for a second goal and a place in the grand-final.

In the 65^th minute the hearts of the Olympic faithful temporarily stopped when Kale Bradbury took off on the left with only Cody Lucas in pursuit! The young Olympic defender slipped, Bradbury lined up to shoot, only for Kyle Hodges to save the day!

This was a warning sign of the dangers this game had from the outset. As Olympic push forward, they need to be disciplined not to concede from the speedy Broadmeadow Magic counter-attacks.

Despite this, they continue to dominate possession and force play inside the Broadmeadow Magic final third.

In the 70^th minute an innocent long lob ball by Cody Lucas from defense landed inside the Magic box and as no one cleared, Matthew Swan pounced on the ball and blasted it into the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for offside!

Olympic continue to press forward and Magic continue to defend in numbers.

With 5 minutes to go desperation is evident in the play of both teams as Olympic try to get their second while a goal from Magic, at this point in the game, would put the tie beyond reach.

Olympic win a corner with 90 seconds of normal time on the clock and pour all their players forward in a do-or-die effort to score.

From the ensuing corner Magic send Kale Bradbury on a breakaway run and despite being closed down by Cody Lucas, he is able to rifle the ball into the net and 1-1 is the order of the day!

At this point the tie ended and Broadmeadow Magic qualified to play in the grand-final with Edgeworth Eagles.

A poor back pass by Grant Brown in injury time enabled James Virgili to complete formalities with a second goal to Magic for a final 2-1 scoreline.

Under 22s Olympic vs Emerging Jets 0-5
Under 19s Magic vs Olympic 3-1

NPL Youth Semi Final Results
Under 17s Olympic vs Adamstown 0-0 (7-6 pens)
Under 13s Olympic vs Mid Nth Coast 2-1
Congratulations to our Under 17s & 13s on progressing to next week’s Grand Final, played this Saturday at Darling St Oval.

Zone League 2 Semi Final 1st Leg
1st Grade Olympic vs Wallsend 4-3
2nd Grade Uni Mens vs Olympic 2-2

source: Tom Tsamouras

Hamilton Olympic were reeling from another major injury blow as Maitland ramped up the mind games for the deciding Northern NSW National Premier League semi-finals on Saturday.

Hamilton learned on Friday that winger Daniel Bird had sustained facial fractures in a clash in the opening minute of the 3-1 first-leg loss to Broadmeadow at Magic Park last week. He was due to have surgery on Friday night and joined midfielder Jacob Bailey (knee) on the sidelines. Coach Michael Bolch said also goalkeeper Danny Ireland (ankle) was “not looking likely” for a return against Magic at Darling Street Oval (6.30pm) on Saturday.

Bird played on after the knock last week and scored Hamilton’s goal, which put them ahead 1-0 at half-time. This week he had x-rays which revealed fractures around his eye socket.

Bolch, who has Grant Brown back from suspension, said Bird was shattered: “He’s been outstanding and he’s scored a couple of vital goals. It just shows the ticker of the guy. It happened in the first minute last week and he’s played 80 minutes.

“It’s not good at all and there was still bleeding into his mouth on Tuesday night at training. That’s three really big players missing for us who have done really well during the year. It is what it is, I’m sure someone else will step up for us tomorrow.”

Broadmeadow will be without co-coach Robert Virgili, who was handed a one-game ban after he was sent off for approaching a linesman during last week’s win. Midfielder Shane Paul is away again away in the only other loss for Magic. Co-coach Bob Naumov said Magic had momentum into the game and would look to build on their advantage.

At Jack McLaughlan Oval from 2pm, Maitland take on Edgeworth hoping the Eagles will be distracted by their FFA Cup match against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday night. The Magpies fought back from 2-0 down to level 2-2 with the minor premiers last week. 

“We respect Edgeworth and what they’ve achieved this year and who could blame them if they’ve already got one eye on the Wanderers game,” Maitland defender Dean Heffernan said.

“It’s a huge game for them and Newcastle football, but especially for those players. One good individual performance could change one of their lives. I guess the last thing they want is to be playing us on a heavy pitch just a couple of days before. Hopefully that’s something in the back of their minds, that every run they make against us is one less effort that they’ll have three days later against one of the best teams in the country.”

Heffernan said Matt Comerford “was a big chance” of returning to play with a broken rib. Edgeworth coach Damian Zane said Brody Taylor (ankle) remained sidelined.

On Sunday, Belmont Swansea play Wallsend at Jack McLaughlan Oval in the First Division grand final from 3pm.

Heffernan believed the illness could again hurt the Eagles.

“You can’t underestimate how long it takes to get over a stomach bug,” Heffernan said.

“They will be feeling the pinch tomorrow from last week, and they’ll be thinking about chasing around the Wanderers guys three days after ours in a game on TV.”

Zane said the round of 16 game against Wanderers would be motivation for his players.

“It’s going to be a tough game because it’s the last thing they are playing for and I told the boys you don’t want to get knocked out then play Western Sydney,” Zane said.

“It would take away from it, the build up would not be as good, so we need to focus on tomorrow and I think they are switched on.

“They are all playing for a spot as well, because if we don’t beat Maitland, I’m going to have to change something against Western Sydney.”

He said Taylor tested his ankle at training on Thursday night but was clearly not ready to return from tendon damage.

He believed Taylor would “be lucky to make grand final” but would be given “until last minute to play Wanderers”.

Heffernan said Comerford, who failed a fitness test before the first semi-final, had made improvements this week.

“He trained well last night and he was really sharp,” Heffernan said.

“There is an injury there but we know it can’t get any worse. He’s desperate to play, which is great.

“I’m not sure if he’ll start or come off the bench, but he’s a massive weapon for us.”

As for Magic in their clash Hamilton, Naumov said: “It’s good to be in our position but you can’t be complacent about it as well.

“They’ve got to chase goals, but having said that, if we get a goal early on, it makes their climb up the hill even harder. It would be a mistake to sit back and try to protect our two-goal lead. We’ve got to start from scratch and go out and win the game.”

source: theherald.com.au

Hamilton Olympic vs Broadmeadow Magic

6.30pm, Saturday 27th August at Darling Street Oval

2016 Meetings:

Round 6: Hamilton 3 (Mooney 38’, Bird 45+1’, Bertos 70’ p) defeated Broadmeadow 1 (J.Virgili 7’) at Darling Street Oval.

Round 15: Broadmeadow 1 (Bradbury 37’) drew with Hamilton 1 (Bird 15’) at Magic Park.

Semi Final (1^st Leg): Broadmeadow Magic 3 (Haynes 49’, Bradbury 82’, 90+5’) defeated Hamilton Olympic 1 (Bird 36’) at Magic Park

Where they finished: Broadmeadow 3^rd (32) Hamilton 2^nd (42)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Hamilton – Lost Magic 3-1 (a), Won Blues 3-0 (a), Drew Phoenix 2-2 (h)

Broadmeadow – Won Olympic 3-1 (h), Won Magpies 2-0 (a), Lost Blues 3-2 (a)

Bottom Line

Matches between rivals Hamilton Olympic and Broadmeadow Magic are always filled with drama and last weekend’s clash was no different. At the end of the day, it was the home side who won the big moments, with Luke Virgili’s clearance off the line right on half-time going down as the turning point in the weekend’s clash.

While leading 3-1 at the moment it will be interesting to see what kind of game plan Broadmeadow bring into the clash. A two goal lead is also a deceptive one, will Broadmeadow play to build their advantage and finish off the tie early in the clash, potentially leaving themselves vulnerable in defence? Or will they try to defend their lead, which could allow Olympic to get on a roll and rack up some goals? It will be intriguing to see.

The last two matches Olympic have played against Broadmeadow has seen the same old story for the men in blue. The inability to take their chances. In the 1-1 draw in round 15 they had enough chances at the back end of the clash to win the match and on the weekend they should have led by more at the break.

The stat that matters for the weekend is that Broadmeadow have never won a finals match at Darling Street Oval. From the three matches they have played, they have had two losses, 4-2 in 1998, 3-1 in 2012, and one draw 1-1 in 1999, which Olympic won eventually 7-6 on penalties. While an Hamilton win won’t necessarily guarantee their place in the Grand Final, they will have plenty of confidence playing at a ground where they have lost just one match of their last 21.

Broadmeadow seem to get up for these big matches when finals time comes around. Last year was no different, with Magic almost knocking out the premiership-winning Eagles after a 3-3 draw in the first leg and a 0-0 result in the second. But, the significant difference between those two matches against Edgeworth and the one last weekend against Olympic is that this weekend they come in with a lead. They are expected to get the job done holding a 3-1 advantage, so it remains to be seen how they will react to that.

With the likes of Peter Haynes, Kale Bradbury and James Virgili up front, Broadmeadow have plenty of class in the attack to go with the grit and determination of Josh Piddington at the back. They definitely have the side to go through this weekend, but playing at Hamilton can chance things up. Magic’s last win at Darling Street was in 2013 – actually their last win against Olympic since the victory on Sunday – was with Peter Haynes ‘the hero’ in a 6-5 win. Can he be the hero once more?

Shane Paul is away again this weekend, so will miss the clash, and Scott Pettit (hamstring) is a chance to return. Grant Brown (suspension) will return to boost Olympics’ backline, while Daniel Bird is in doubt with an eye injury picked up last weekend.

What the Coaches Said:

Mick Bolch (Hamilton)

“I don’t think we need to change a great deal. I think we just didn’t take our chances last weekend. We just need to be the first to score. If we do, it changes the whole tie. Realistically, there were a couple of clear-cut chances in the first half, [on the weekend] especially the one right on half-time. If that goes in it changes the whole complexion of the game. We are just trying to look at it like it’s half-time and we are down 3-1.”

“For me, they are the side under pressure, no one is expecting us to turn it around from being 3-1 down. They are all talking about them being in the Grand Final already, so we have nothing to lose. They have got everything to lose. We haven’t lost [at home] all year and have only lost once in there the last two years. We beat them earlier in the year 3-1 and beat Edgeworth 3-1. We’ve knocked over a couple of teams 5-0 and 6-0 so we do play well on that ground.”

Rob Virgili (Broadmeadow)

“We are not going to change our style of play too much, we are just going to go in the same and try to put them on the back foot. We are an attacking side so I don’t think too much will change from our side of things, maybe Olympic will need to change a bit, but we aren’t going to change. If we score one goal, they will have a fair bit of work to do. We can’t sit back and let them come at us because obviously, they can score goals as the stats show.”

“There is no pressure on us at all. They are the side that seems to be cracking under pressure, with being undefeated and not winning any trophies. There is no pressure on us at all, there is more pressure on Olympic. They have hit the wall a little bit. This game is different now, it is more in their hands what they want to do. If they want to sit back and try and get us in the second half, I’m not sure, it really depends on what Bolchy [Mick Bolch] wants to do.”

 Key: Can Magic end their barren finals run at Darling Street, or will Hamilton continue their dominance at their home ground?

U19s Hamilton Olympic vs Broadmeadow Magic 2.30pm, Saturday 27th August at Darling Street Oval

U22s Hamilton Olympic vs Broadmeadow Magic 4.30pm, Saturday 27th August at Darling Street Oval

NPL Youth Semi Finals

Under 17s
Olympic vs Adamstown at Adamstown Oval
Sunday kick off 4.30pm

Under 13s
Olympic vs Mid North Coast at Darling St Oval
Sunday kick off 10.00am

Zone League 2 Semi Final 1st Leg

1st Grade
Olympic vs Wallsend at Islington Oval
Sunday kick off 3pm

2nd Grade
Uni Mens vs Olympic at Victoria Park
Saturday kick off 1.15pm

Edgeworth Eagles v Maitland Magpies

2pm Saturday 27^th August at Jack McLaughlin Oval

2016 Meetings:

Round 8: Edgeworth 3 (Trott og 12’, McBreen 34’, McLoughlin 49’) defeated Maitland 1 (B.Thompson 70’ p) at Cooks Square Park.

Round 17: Edgeworth 2 (Holz 38’, McBreen 68’) defeated Maitland 1 (L.Thornton 21’) at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

Semi Final (1^st Leg): Maitland 2 (M.Thompson p 37’, Clarke 69’) drew with Edgeworth 2 (McBreen 21’, Holz 31’) at Cooks Square Park

Where they Finished: Maitland 4^th (29pts) Edgeworth 1^st (46)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Edgeworth – Drew Magpies 2-2 (a), Won Rosebuds 3-1 (a), Won Magpies 2-1 (h)

Maitland – Drew Eagles 2-2 (h), Lost Magic 2-0 (h), Lost Eagles 2-1 (a)

Bottom Line

It really is incredible how a finals match can totally change a contest. Outplayed by Edgeworth in both previous matches this season in rounds eight and 11 the Magpies found their groove in the second half at Cooks Square Park on the weekend.

Having just one draw and 15 losses in their last 16 clashes dating back to 1997 it would have been easy for the Magpies to crumble in their first finals match since 2000, and it certainly looked that way after 31 minutes when Dylan Holz smashed Edgeworth’s second goal across Matt Trott and into the left corner. But, the Magpies fought hard and were rewarded with a Ryan Clarke equaliser midway through the second half.

So, to this weekend… Edgeworth will feel confident at home given the pitch will be wider, after Maitland cunningly brought in the sidelines on Saturday and they won’t have to contend with the wind which is a common feature at Cooks Square Park. But, in saying that, Matt Comerford returns for Maitland and even though he has a broken rib it will be hard to see him not playing, given the wider pitch.

With Comerford and Clarke on opposite sides, the wider pitch may not be such a bad thing for Maitland, considering they will need to score on Saturday or their hopes of making the Grand Final for the first time in 35 years will be dashed. 1981 was the year they last played on the biggest day of the season, on that occasion going down 2-1 to Highfields Azzurri after winning their solitary top flight premiership the year before against the same side 5-1.

To Edgeworth, and a bug went through their playing squad last week, causing havoc with preparation for the match at Maitland. Pat Wheeler called up on game day to tell coach Damian Zane he was unavailable and Aaron McLoughlin and Dom Bizzarri were lethargic after also being hit by the virus. Brody Taylor also missed the match with an ankle injury. It will be interesting to see just how much of an impact the illness had on the side when they line up this weekend.

The Eagles also have an important Westfield FFA Cup tie against the Western Sydney Wanderers next Tuesday night, so it remains to be seen whether they put out their strongest side on Saturday. Damian Zane insists that his side is focusing all their attention on this Saturday’s clash.

One player Maitland will need to look out for is Daniel McBreen, he has scored in all three of the matches between the two sides this season and if the Magpies are not careful he could do so again. With the tie on a knife-edge, little moments will be crucial to a Grand Final berth.

Brody Taylor (ankle) and Pat Wheeler (illness) will return for the Eagles this weekend while Matt Comerford (rib) should return from injury for the Magpies.

What the Coaches Said:

Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

“I think the wind had a big impact on the weekend. The second goal [Maitland scored] you could give credit to the wind, but I thought the first goal we conceded was a poor one. I don’t think they had any chances till that on the weekend, and it was just a poor goal to concede. If we didn’t concede that I think we would have won 2-1 at a minimum. It was always going to be tough to score against the win, so I thought that goal for them against the wind was huge.”

“I don’t think they had a really red hot crack at us in the second half and I am sort of half happy they didn’t. Going into it I wasn’t sure how they would play. I thought they would be at the extremes, they would go really defensive or really have a crack at us, as it was their home leg. In the end personally, if I was them I would have looked back and said ‘it was 2-all and we didn’t have a red hot crack at them.’”

Reece Thompson (Maitland Assistant)

“We are happy with conceding the two sloppy goals and taking a draw in the first leg and we will look to grab a few away goals this week. We want to play a more expansive style this week. The first week was about hopefully not conceding too many, being over two legs. Unfortunately, we conceded two, but luckily we scored two and now all we have to do is win this game and we get to go to a Grand Final which would have been unthinkable two years ago.”

“A lot of people would have written us off 2-0 down early on last weekend, but I don’t think you can write off any of the Maitland boys. I’m proud of the effort but I’m not surprised and I can guarantee that anyone who gets to wear the shirt this weekend will go to the 90^th minute, even if we go 1-0 down. The club will show the fight and spirit and to make the club proud.”

Key: We know Edgeworth can score goals from anywhere on the park, but can Maitland’s attack fire again to send them to a Grand Final?

source:northernnswfootball.com.au

KALE Bradbery scored twice and the Virgili brothers came up with crucial plays as Broadmeadow took a 3-1 lead over Hamilton in week one of the National Premier League semi-finals.

Second-placed Hamilton were unbeaten this year and looked likely to hold onto that tag at Magic Park on Sunday after a dominant first half of the two-leg semi-final. They led after Kane Goodchild beat two defenders with strength and skill before laying off a ball for Daniel Bird to score in the 36^th minute. Hamilton continued to find space close before Andrew Swan looked to have made 2-0 in the second-minute of first-half injury time. However, Luke Virgili produced a desperate slide to clear the ball off his line.

Magic came out firing in the second half and Peter Haynes converted the early pressure on 49 minutes with a crisp header from the six-yard line off a Matt Hoole corner.

Broadmeadow went ahead in the 82^nd minute when Bradbery was put away on goal off a Luke Virgili ball over the top before he finished past keeper Tom Pullin with a left-foot shot. Magic then struck a major blow in the 95^th minute when James Virgili, in his first game back from a dislocated shoulder, rejected calls take the ball to the corner to run down the clock, instead whipping the ball across goal to find Bradbery at the far post for the tap in.

James Virgili said “the third goal has definitely put us in a good position but it’s not over yet”.

“There’s still next week, so we just have to go on with it,” Virgili said. As for his brother’s first-half save, James said: “I don’t know how he got that. I actually turned around because I thought it was in. It was a good effort.”

While the Virgili brothers had a good day on the pitch, their father, Magic co-coach Robert Virgili, was sent from it 70 minutes in after remonstrating with a linesman about an incorrect off-side call against his side.

Hamilton coach Michael Bolch lamented his side’s failure to convert chances in the first half. 

“We were all over them and we should have scored a second one, especially the one in the last minute,” Bolch said. “I thought we were really good first half but we didn’t turn up second half. I just think they competed better than us second half. They won all the loose balls and second-phase stuff, and then we gifted them goals.

“The first one off a corner comes when we’ve got a bloke on the post and he gets beaten and the other one comes off Cody Lucas’ head and goes straight to Bradbery. You make your own luck, though. They worked hard and they deserved it.”

PS4 NPL NNSW Semi Final 1st Leg Results:

Under 22s Emerging Jets Youth vs  Olympic 4-1
Under 19s Broadmeadow Magic vs Olympic 2-1

NPL Youth
Olympic vs Lambton
Under 17s Olympic won 8-0
Under 15s Olympic won 1-0
Under 14s Lambton won 0-1
Under 13s Olympic won 4-2

Zone League 2
Olympic vs Fletcher
1st Grade drew 3-3
2nd Grade Olympic won 2-0

On Saturday, Maitland, who were without Matt Comerford (broken rib), came back from a 2-0 deficit to match minor premiers Edgeworth 2-2 at a wind-swept Cooks Square Park.

Daniel McBreen (20^th minute) and Dylan Holz (31st) scored for the Eagles before Matt Thompson earned and converted a penalty in the 37^th for the Magpies. Ryan Clarke scored the equaliser in the 69^th minute with an attempted cross that evaded keeper Jim Fogarty.

source:theherlad.com

Broadmeadow Magic v Hamilton Olympic

2.30pm, Sunday 21^st August

Magic Park

2016 Meetings:

Round 6: Hamilton 3 (Mooney 38’, Bird 45+1’, Bertos 70’ p) defeated Broadmeadow 1 (J.Virgili 7’) at Darling Street Oval.

Round 15: Broadmeadow 1 (Bradbury 37’) drew with Hamilton 1 (Bird 15’) at Magic Park.

Ladder: Broadmeadow 3^rd (32) Hamilton 2^nd (42)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Broadmeadow – Won Magpies 2-0 (a), Lost Blues 3-2 (a), Lost Phoenix 2-1 (a)

Hamilton – Won Blues 3-0 (a), Drew Phoenix 2-2 (h), Won Jets 1-0 (h)

Bottom Line

Another nail-biting derby awaits us when Broadmeadow meet Hamilton over the next two weekends and if the next two clashes come even close to the excitement of their round 15 battle we are in for something special.

For the first time since the 2012 Grand Final, these two sides will meet. That afternoon was one Olympic fans would rather forget; it was when Damien Smith coached Magic and the side got the job done beating Mick Bolch’s Olmypic side, 4-1. The site of that Grand Final is where the two sides will meet this weekend.

A state which proves just how close these two sides are is their head to head statistics. Since 1995, the sides have met 54 times, of these matches, that have been played at Hamilton’s home ground, Olympic have won 12, there have been 5 draws and 10 wins to Broadmeadow. Away from Darling Street, the stats are identical, 12 wins for Hamilton, 5 draws and 10 wins for Broadmeadow. However something will have to give this weekend.

Of late though, it has been all Hamilton. Since round eight in 2013 – when Peter Haynes scored a goal that many will never forget – and Magic won 6-5 – the men from Broadmeadow have not tasted victory over their rivals from Olympic since. It has been seven matches and more than three years. Of those seven matches, Olympic has won five, along with two draws, which have come in the last four matches the two sides have played.

In those last seven matches, Broadmeadow has scored just four goals, an average of just over half a goal a game. That would give Hamilton’s miserly backline, led by the experienced Kyle Hodges, plenty of confidence going into the weekend. This season Hamilton have conceded an average of just over 0.7 goals per game, and if they keep that going they will be almost impossible to beat.

James Virgili will provide a huge boost for the home side this weekend and his attacking prowess will be crucial this weekend given Olympic will be missing two key players at the back in Grant Brown who is suspended and Danny Ireland who is still injured. If he gets on a role and can score some goals, it may be a bridge too far for Olympic. While you can’t win the semi-final in week one, you can definitely lose it and neither side will want to concede many goals on Sunday.

For Hamilton, the loss of Jacob Bailey for the season will certainly be a huge loss as will be Ireland who in all likelihood will not play until the Grand Final – if Hamilton makes it. But, Kane Goodchild has been in outstanding form of late, scoring three goals in his last two matches including two on the weekend. Magic’s centre backs Jon Griffiths and Josh Piddington will have to be on their game to keep the Golden Boot quiet.

The next two weekends will come down to whoever wins the little moments. In their last clash, both sides had chances to win the match in the second half and somehow no one could. It will be tight over the two legs, and even though Magic has conceded twice as many goals as Hamilton during the regular season; over the next two weeks it is difficult seeing them conceding many more than Olympic.

In these sort of matches, it really is a flip of the coin to see who wins it. There will be plenty of heart, desire and a never-say-die attitude. Extra-time and even a penalty shoot-out may even have to decide these two sides seasons come next weekend at Darling Street.

Shane Paul will miss the match for Broadmeadow as his is going away this weekend, while James Virgili (shoulder), Luke Virgili (leg) and Michael Finlayson (knee) will all return. Jacob Bailey (knee), Danny Ireland (ankle) and Grant Brown (suspended) will miss the match for Hamilton.

What the Coaches Said:

Bobby Naumov (Broadmeadow)

“They are undefeated, so they are obviously going in as favourites and they are the form side. However, if Danny Ireland doesn’t play that would psychologically make a massive difference because I think he is the best goalkeeper in the league. Having said that the law of averages says your loss has got to come somewhere along the way. We’ve got two games; you’d like to think they are going to lose one if not two games.”

“At the end of the day, we’ve got to be really tight because they have got some guys that are quick, their mobile and they have done really well along with [Kane] Goodchild up front. Everything points to them, including the stats, but those things don’t mean much at the end of the day. We know what we are capable of, we can beat Edgeworth and Olympic. But, at the end of the day if you don’t play to your full potential both those sides will be hard to beat.”

Mick Bolch (Hamilton)

“The key is obviously shutting down their front third, containing, Kale Bradbury and Peter Haynes, as well as James Virgili if he plays. James Virgili and Bradbury have scored a good portion of their goals so if we can keep them quiet that will go a long way to getting the result. It’s a different beast now the finals and I’m sure Chilly [Rob Virgili] and Bobby [Naumov] will come up with a game plan to try and rectify what has been going on the last few games.”

“If you take a Danny Ireland out of any side it obviously weakens the side. We have just got to be better as a team. Realistically, defensively we have been good as a unit all year. Obviously, Danny is the best goalkeeper in the competition by a fair stretch, but we have got confidence in ourselves as a defensive unit. We just have to limit their scoring opportunities and Tom [Pullin] will do the rest.”

Key: Whoever takes their opportunities. It will be close over the next two weekends, and whoever wins the big moments will go through to the Grand Final.

Under 22s Jets vs Olympic, kick off 12.45pm

Under 19s Olympic vs Magic, kick off 11.00am

NPL Youth Round 22 (Final Round)
Olympic vs Jaffas
Saturday at Darling St
Under 17s kick off 2.30pm
Under 15s kick off 1.00pm
Under 14s kick off 11.30am
Under 13s kick off 10.00am

Zone League 2 (Final Round)
Olympic vs Maryland Fletcher
1st Grade kick off 3.00pm
2nd Grade kick off 1.15pm

Maitland Magpies v Edgeworth Eagles

2.30pm Saturday 20^th August

Cooks Square Park

2016 Meetings:

Round 8: Edgeworth 3 (Trott OG 12’, McBreen 34’, McLoughlin 49’) defeated Maitland 1 (B.Thompson 70’ p) at Cooks Square Park.

Round 17: Edgeworth 2 (Holz 38’, McBreen 68’) defeated Maitland 1 (L.Thornton 21’) at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

Ladder: Maitland 4^th (29pts) Edgeworth 1^st (46)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Maitland – Lost Magic 2-0 (h), Lost Eagles 2-1 (a), Won Bears 3-2 (h)

Edgeworth – Won Rosebuds 3-1 (a), Won Magpies 2-1 (h) Won Phoenix 4-2 (h)

Bottom Line

In saying it has been a long time since Maitland have been in the top grade Northern NSW finals is very much an understatement; it has been 16 years up to this point. This is where the drought ends though and they will take confidence from that finals showing way back in 2000. That season they finished in 4^th, in the then five-team finals series.

They cleaned up Broadmeadow Magic 4-0 in week one to send them packing, but week two was where their journey ended when Hamilton Olympic knocked them out 4-1 at Darling Street. It may not be such a bad thing that they won’t be playing the boys from Darling Street over the next two weekends.

It has been a year to remember for the Magpies, although there have been some rocky patches, they have ridden the bumps that have resulted in them having an overall positive season.

This Saturday will present an exciting match up between the two sides. Maitland will meet a side who is at the peak of their powers. Since 1997, Maitland has been unable to beat the Eagles and their dominance could extend further, as results are hard to find after then.

Of their last 16 matches, dating back to 1997, in the top grade, it makes for very dire reading if you are a Magpies fan. Fifteen wins for Edgeworth and a solitary 2-2 draw,in 1998. History is there to be defeated and that is certainly the attitude the home side will take into this contest.

In 2016, Maitland has an outstanding defensive record, conceding just 23 goals to be the third best side in the competition. In this regard, that is where they can really challenge Edgeworth. The likes of Carl Thornton, Brock Oakley and Liam Thornton will be key, as will the experience of Dean Heffernan. But, the Thornton brothers and Oakley have done something Heffernan and a majority of the Magpies side haven’t – they have beaten Edgeworth – last year in round nine with Weston, 1-0. Could that count over the next two weekends?

For The Eagles, what a season it has been for Damian Zane yet again. While they faltered twice against Hamilton during the regular season, they didn’t lose to anyone else, and that should give them bucket loads of confidence going into their match with Maitland.

Last weekend, with five of their regular first-grade starters out of the side, their youngsters put out a very impressive performance; although it was against 9^th placed Adamstown it shouldn’t take anything away from their display.

If the next two weekends between these sides become a goal-fest, the Eagles will win. They have scored 15 more goals than Maitland in the regular season and have so many attacking weapons to choose from. Take your pick out of Daniel McBreen, Keigo Moriyasu, Bren Hammel, Brody Taylor and we haven’t even got to Keanu Moore or Dylan Holz. Aaron McLoughlin also scored against Maitland earlier this season.

Maitland has firepower in Ryan Clarke and Matt Comerford but definitely not the same amount as Edgeworth and they will be relying on their defence to keep the Eagles out this weekend and not concede any crucial away goals. If they can keep Edgeworth quiet and jag themselves a goal or two, the Magpies could be soaring towards a Grand Final berth. If Edgeworth scores some goals, though, it may be a bridge too far for Maitland.

Maitland’s key attacking trio of Ben Martin, Ryan Clarke and Matt Comerford are all in doubt for the clash with niggles but will be given the right to kick-off to prove their fitness. For Edgeworth, the five players rested from the weekends 3-1 win over Adamstown, Dom Bizzarri, Ayden Brice, Lachie Pasquale, Bren Hammel and Brody Taylor will all be available this weekend.

What the Coaches Said:

Reece Thompson (Maitland Assistant)

“Edgeworth are the top team in the competition, there is no doubt about that. But, they have also got one eye on the FFA Cup so we are going to try and take it to them. They have got quality around all of the park,v  but instead of focusing on them we need to focus on ourselves to make sure we get the right result. We didn’t give too much away two weeks ago when we played them because we thought we would meet in the semi-finals, knowing that we thought we would keep a little bit in our back-pocket and not give too much away.”

“It’s been 16 years since we were last in the Northern NSW semi-finals. I spoke to the captain from 2000 on Wednesday, and he was telling me all of his old boys are going to be up there, so I’m hoping there is a massive crowd. I know the local community is getting right behind us which is great.”

Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

“We’ll be going all out this weekend, obviously we have got another game [FFA Cup match against the Wanderers] which will be straight after the second leg, so we’ll be going out to try and end it as quick as we can, whether that is early in the second leg or whatever. We want to get a good platform for next week, so we will be going at them from the first minute.”

“Obviously, the three players [we need to look out for] are Ryan Clarke, Matt Comerford and Matt Thompson. Clarkey and Comerford with their speed and skill. I thought Clarkey was pretty good against us last game. That probably stems from Matt Thompson. He’s a big part of their play and he has had a great year. First and foremost, though we’ll probably just make sure we are right and I think if we turn up in the right frame of might we will be right. We play to dominate not to be dominated. If we are on our game, they will have more to worry about than us.”

Key: Defence. Maitland needs a good defensive performance over the next two weeks if they are to make the Grand Final for the first time since 1981.

 source: northernnswfootball.com.au

TOP GUN: Danny Ireland had his left foot in a CAM boot on the weekend.

HAMILTON Olympic are not counting on having No.1 goalkeeper Danny Ireland back for the semi-finals against Magic.

Ireland damaged ankle ligaments early in the 1-0 win over the Newcastle Jets Youth in round 16 and Olympic hoped to have him back for the finals. However, coach Michael Bolch said on Tuesday that Ireland “could maybe be back for the grand final, if that”.

With Ireland out, Pullin is set to again deputise in goals when Olympic play Magic away on Sunday and at home the following Saturday. Pullin came back from a 2-2 draw with Valentine to keep a clean sheet against Charlestown on Sunday.

“Tom did well,” Bolch said. “He was a bit nervous against the Jets but he talked and organised the defence well on Sunday and made a couple of good saves. He’ll give a good account of himself.”

Magic co-coach Robert Virgili said James Virgili, who dislocated his shoulder against Olympic in round 15, would play some part in the first semi. He said there was some instability but good strength in the shoulder.

James and brother Luke Virgili were rested for the 2-0 win over Maitland on Sunday at Cooks Square Park but both will be back in the Broadmeadow squad this week.

Edgeworth coach Damian Zane said his side should be full-strength for their semi against Maitland at Cooks Square Park on Saturday after they rested five players last Sunday in the 3-1 win over Adamstown.

Zane said Bren Hammel, Brody Taylor, Ayden Brice, Dom Bizzarri and Lachlan Pasquale did not play against Rosebud because of yellow card trouble but all would be available this weekend. Captain Josh Evans returned from work commitments to play on Sunday. Zane said Taylor had recovered from an ankle strain, giving him a full complement to choose from for the clash with the Magpies, who have Matt Crowell (ankle) sidelined.

source:theherald.com.au

Hamilton Olympic finished the 2016 NPL season undefeated, beating Charlestown City 3-0 in the final round.

On a warm and a sunny afternoon at Lisle Carr Oval, Olympic began proceedings as early as in the 9^th minute when Kane Goodchild rose inside the penalty box to riffle home a header from a short corner, 1-0!

The match then turned into midfield battle with neither team creating clear cut goal scoring opportunities.

On the half hour mark a long clearance from the Olympic back line caught the Charlestown defence square and Simon Mooney had no problem running through and with the goalkeeper to beat doubled the score to 2-0.

In the 35’ minute Simon Mooney came close to making it 3-0 when he unleashed a great strike from a cross by Mathew Minors but was denied by Charlestown goalie Nathan Archbold.

Half time found Olympic leading 2-0 and looking comfortable on the ball and control of the game.

In the second half both teams continued with the same slow tempo with Charlestown coming close to getting a goal back in the 60^th when Joshua Maguire fired a shot from distance that rebounded off the Olympic post.

Charlestown had another opportunity in the 70^th when Daniel Laiman fired a powerful shot on target only to be denied by the Olympic goalie Tommy Pullin.

In the 81^st minute Kane Goodchild took on the Charlestown defence and unleashed a shot which would have netted him his 18^th goal of the season and 1^st spot on the goal scorer chart but Kyle Predebon had other ideas.

In stoppage time a deflection off a Charlestown defender found its way to Kane Goodchild’s head who lobbed a header into the left top corner which made the score 3-0, and himself the top goal scorer of the 2016 NPLseason!

Olympic now meet Broadmeadow Magic at Magic Park in the first leg of the semi-final on Sunday 21st August at 2.30 pm

On the same day and in the same venue our U22s meet the Emerging Jets at 12.45 pm while our U19s play Broadmeadow Magic at 11.00 am.

Congratulations to Danny Ireland for being Goalkeeper of the year with 7 clean sheets

Congratulations Kane Goodchild on winning the 2016 NPL NNSW Golden Boot. His two goals today took his tally to 18 goals in 18 games.

U22s Charlestown City – Hamilton Olympic 0-1

U19s Charlestown City – Hamilton Olympic 0-3

NPL Round 18 Results:

Lambton Jaffas – Weston Workers  4-1

Valentine – Emerging Jets Youth  0-2

Adamstown Rosebud  –  Edgeworth  1-3

Maitland – Broadmeadow Magic 0-2

Charlestown City – Hamilton Olympic 0-3

TABLE  FIRST  GRADE:

                                                           P     W  D  L       F – A   PTS

1. Edgeworth                    18    15   1   2       52-19     46
2. Hamilton Olympic      18    12   6   0       49-13     41
3. Broadmeadow Magic  18     9    5   4       49-28     32
4. Maitland                       18     8    5   5       34-23     29
5. Charlestown City        18     7    3   8       29-41     24
6. Newcastle JetsYouth  18    7    3   8       38-46     24
7. Valentine                     18      5    4   9       27-43     19
8. Lambton Jaffas           18     5    4    9       27-35    19
9. Adamstown                  18     3    2   13      21-53    11
10. Weston Workers         17     1    3  14      18-43      6

NPL Youth

Edgeworth vs Olympic

Under 17s Olympic won 5-0
Under 15s Olympic won 2-1
Under 14s Olympic won 1-0
Under 13s Olympic won 4-2

source:Tom Tsamouras

http://hamiltonolympic.com.au/c5/

Charlestown City Blues v Hamilton Olympic

2.30pm Sunday 14^th August at Lisle Carr Oval

Last Meeting: Hamilton 6 Charlestown 0 at Darling Street Oval, Wednesday 29^th June, 2016

Ladder: Charlestown 5^th (24) Hamilton 2^nd (39)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Charlestown – Won Magic 3-2 (a), Lost Eagles 2-1 (h), Won Bears 3-2 (a)

Hamilton – Drew Phoenix 2-2 (h), Won Jets 1-0 (h), Drew Magic 1-1 (a)

Bottom Line

After a tight loss to Edgeworth followed by an upset victory over Broadmeadow Magic, Charlestown are surging towards the end of an impressive season, which would be made all the more impressive by a victory over Hamilton in the final round.

Hamilton has a history of not putting in their best performance in the final round, with a 2-0 loss last season to 8^th placed Maitland at home ended their regular season with disappointment. Hamilton have only lost three of their last 38 games – that being one of them. The other two were against Edgeworth last season, once in the regular season and the other in the Grand Final.

Like most sides, this round Hamilton have nothing to play for in terms of the ladder. They will finish in second place after relinquishing any chance of winning the premiership last weekend when they drew 2-2 with Valentine. Coach Mick Bolch may be keen to rest some players before the finals, and at least this weekend will give Danny Ireland another chance to rest up his injured ankle.

Charlestown’s season has been outstanding, and they could have been in contention for a spot in the finals if not for a midseason slump where they lost six matches in a row. They went down 6-0 to Hamilton last time they met but that was on a cold Wednesday night, and the Blues were missing some of their key personnel, so don’t read too much into that result.

Charlestown’s Josh Pippen (knee) is out as is Ben Hughes who is struggling with what Shane Pryce described as ‘old age.’ Hamilton’s Andrew Swan (hamstring) is out, as is Grant Brown (suspended), Danny Ireland (ankle), Jacob Bailey (knee) and Daniel Bird will be rested as he is on five yellow cards.

What the Coaches Said:

Shane Pryce (Charlestown)

“It’s our last home game this weekend so we’ll be out to finish off the season against a side who has nearly won the comp. I think it will be more about us on the weekend, putting in a good performance and then being a bit sad we didn’t make the semis.”

“It would be nice to spoil Hamilton’s undefeated run, but they are a quality side and if they weren’t they wouldn’t be in the position they are in. I think this season the inconsistency had hurt us and we will look to review and fix that for next year. All in all, I think finishing 5^th is still credible for the side we have got, but if we were a bit consistent we could have scraped into the top four.”

Mick Bolch (Hamilton)

“Charlestown had a great win last weekend against Broadmeadow, and they did well the weekend before against Edgeworth. This weekend is all about making sure we have a healthy squad going into the finals. You don’t win anything for going through the season undefeated, our main aim now is the Grand Final.”

“Too many draws have cost us this season, realistically this year Edgeworth have been too good and they have won the comp. We’ve beaten them both times we have played them, but every team gets 18 rounds and they have accumulated more points than us over 18 rounds to they deserve the minor premiership.”

Key: With little on the line in terms of their position on the ladder, can Hamilton keep motivated to finish the season undefeated?

U22s Charlestown City  vs  Hamilton Olympic Sunday 14 August kick off 12.14 pm at Lisle Carr Oval.

U19s Charlestown City  vs  Hamilton Olympic Sunday 14 August kick off 11.00 am at Lisle Carr Oval.

TABLE  FIRST  GRADE:

                                                         P     W  D  L       F – A   PTS

1. Edgeworth                    17    14   1   2       49-18      43
2. Hamilton Olympic       17    11   6   0       46-13    38
3. Broadmeadow Magic  17     8    5   4       47-28     29
4. Maitland                       17     8    5   4       34-21     29
5. Charlestown City         17     7    3   7       29-38     24
6. Newcastle JetsYouth  17      6    3   8      36-46     21
7. Valentine                      17      5    4    8      27-41     19
8. Lambton Jaffas           17      4    4     9     23-34     16
9. Adamstown                  17      3    2   12     20-50     11
10. Weston Workers          17     1    3  13      17-39       6

PS4 YOUTH NPL ROUND 21:

U13s Edgeworth vs Hamilton Olympic Saturday 13^th August 2016 kick off 10.00 a.m. at Jack McLaughlin Oval

U14s Edgeworth vs Hamilton Olympic Saturday 13^th August 2016 kick off 11.30 a.m. at Jack McLaughlin Oval

U15s Edgeworth vs Hamilton Olympic Saturday 13^th August 2016 kick off 1.00 p.m. at Jack McLaughlin Oval

U17s Edgeworth vs Hamilton Olympic Saturday 13^th August 2016 kick off 2.30 a.m. at Jack McLaughlin Oval

source:Tom Tsamouras

http://hamiltonolympic.com.au/c5/

Adamstown Rosebud v Edgeworth Eagles

2.30pm Sunday 14^th August at Adamstown Oval

Last Meeting: Edgeworth 2 Adamstown 0 at Jack McLaughlan Oval, Wednesday 29^th June 2016

Ladder: Adamstown 9^th (11pts) Edgeworth 1^st (43)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Edgeworth – Won Magpies 2-1 (h) Won Phoenix 4-2 (h), Won Blues 2-1 (a)

Adamstown – Lost Bears 4-1 (a), Lost Jaffas 2-1 (h), Lost Jets 4-1 (a)

Bottom Line

With the minor premiership all wrapped up last weekend after their win over Maitland last weekend, it remains to be seen what kind of side Damian Zane will play against the 9^th placed Rosebuds. It has been another season to remember at Edgeworth, securing their second minor premiership in as many years.

It remains to be seen though if they can balance Westfield FFA Cup aspirations with the PlayStation® 4 NPL Northern NSW finals to claim a second grand final win in a row. Edgeworth also has been unable to defeat second-placed Hamilton all season – last season’s grand finalists – and it sets up an intriguing finals series.

Adamstown, on the other hand, has had a season to forget, with six red cards, injuries to key players and the loss of coach Graham Law before the season end contributing to what will be a 9^th placed finish. As well as after finishing 6^th last season and missing the finals by a win, it seemed the only way was up for the Rosebuds. But, it hasn’t gone to script this season and a loss to Weston last weekend would have hurt.

A final round battle against the Eagles at home gives Adamstown a chance to salvage something from this season and it would be a massive positive going into a long pre-season if they were to cause a huge upset in this one. Earlier in the season, Edgeworth had a tight 2-0 win over the Rosebuds at home, so don’t write them off here.

In a boost for the home side Thom Lino and Dayne Pawlik both return from suspension for the Rosebuds. Bren Hammel, Dom Bizzarri, and Lachie Pasquale will all miss the match on Sunday as they will be rested having received four yellow cards this season and risk a one-week suspension with another yellow. Brody Taylor (ankle) will also be rested in preparation for the finals.

What the Coaches Said:

Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

“A few of the player last night at training, they said to me ‘I want to play this weekend’ so I think [it may not seem like a match that means much] but, we want to finish as far ahead as we can. To get 15 wins that is what I am striving for.”

“We set goals at the start of the season to get through to the round of 16 of the FFA Cup, win the minor premiership and get to the semi-finals, and we have achieved those. We really want to do well in the NPL Finals and the cup is not over yet. We are not finished, and have probably set a fairly long goal list but so far we are ticking them off.”

Chris Dale (Adamstown)

“This weekend obviously isn’t going to make or break our season, but it’s going to give us a platform to move into next year with. Edgeworth are the flag bearers for the competition at the moment and it provides a good opportunity to test ourselves and finish off the season well.”

“It’s important to put in a good performance in front of our home fans. The club’s administration is trying to make a link back to the junior club and trying to get them involved as well. Our youth teams will also be there on Sunday and hopefully, we can show the same effort and desire we showed against Weston on the weekend.”

Key: After a disappointing season, can the Rosebud’s put in a performance to remember against the minor premiers?

Lambton Jaffas v Weston Workers Bears

2.30pm Saturday 13^th August at Arthur Edden Oval

Last Meeting: Lambton 3 Weston 1 at Rockwell Automation Park, Wednesday 29^th June 2016

Ladder: Lambton 8^th (16) Weston 10^th (6)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Lambton – Lost Jets 3-0 (a), Won Rosebuds 2-1 (a), Lost Magpies 4-1 (h)

Weston – Won Rosebud 4-1 (h), Lost Magpies 3-2 (a), Lost Blues 3-2 (h)

Bottom Line

Weston will be buoyant after their first win of the season last weekend against Adamstown and will be looking to carry that kind of performance into this weekend’s matchup with the Jaffas. The Bears were in danger of being the first side since Toronto Awaba in 2010 to go a whole season in a Northern NSW competition without a victory and removed any chance of that on Sunday.

While Weston’s season has been one to forget, it has seen the emergence of some young talent in the form of Jake Barner, Lachlan Rowan, and Trent Partridge. With Steve Piggott returning to the helm at Weston next season he will have plenty of local talent to work with.

Meanwhile, the Jaffas travelled to Devonport on Wednesday night and it will be interesting to see whether James Pascoe goes with a younger side for the weekend’s clash in preparation for next season or if he uses more of his experience players in Jobe Wheelhouse, John Majurovski, and Joel Wood.

What the Coaches Said:

James Pascoe (Lambton)

“I’ve got absolutely no idea who will play on the weekend, we will assess the damage on Friday and see how people have pulled up from the FFA Cup match. There are a few sore bodies as the boys haven’t played in conditions like those on Wednesday night very often.”

“After the FFA Cup loss, there is a little bit of a let down about the club, and it will be nice to get the last round out of the way. Of course, every time you go out you want to win and we’ll be trying to do that on the weekend. A win finishes us on 19 points for the season, our goal a few weeks ago was to get to 20, but we can’t do that but it would be nice to finish on a positive note.”

Trevor Morris (Weston)

“To be honest, I think we have played better and lost than we did on the weekend, but we got the result and that is all that matters. We’ll be doing the things we have been working on the last 7-8 weeks so hopefully, everything comes to fruition.”

“The year has been frustrating, we know we could all do better from the coaching staff right through. Everyone has worked very hard and it is what it is. The players have never once shirked it, they’ve all turned up and worked hard, so there isn’t really much I can say.”

Key: How well will the Jaffas recover from their midweek FFA Cup match at the ‘Lake of Devonport’ on Wednesday night will be key to their chances of winning in the final round.

Valentine Phoenix v Newcastle Jets Youth

3pm Sunday 13^th August at Cahill Oval

Last Meeting: Jets Youth 4 Valentine 3 at Johnston Park, Wednesday 15^th June 2016

Ladder: Valentine 7^th (19) Jets Youth 6^th (21)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Valentine – Drew Olympic 2-2 (a), Lost Eagles 4-2 (a), Won Magic 2-1 (h)

Jets – Won Jaffas 3-0 (h), Lost Olympic 1-0 (a), Drew Magpies 1-1 (a)

Bottom Line

Sixth place in the PlayStation 4 NPL Northern NSW competition is on the line this weekend when the Valentine Phoenix meet the Jets Youth at Cahill Oval. Both sides have had a topsy-turvy season and will be keen to finish off 2016 on a positive note. Both sides have lost just three of their last nine matches, after starting the season with five losses in their opening eight matches.

Valentine will be out to make history this weekend; since the Jets entered the top grade in a Northern NSW competition, the Phoenix have been unable to beat them, with the Jets winning three of the five matches along with two 2-2 draws the sides have played out.

Valentine have had an outstanding finish to the season, with a come-from-behind draw against Hamilton last weekend proving how much they have improved from the 5-0 thumping they copped from the same side just two months earlier.

In the last five weeks, they have beaten Lambton and Broadmeadow to add to their draw with Hamilton. However, a draw with last-placed Weston is evidence of the Jekyll and Hyde nature of Valentine’s performances.

The Jets too, like Valentine, have been up and down, although mainly up in the back half of the season. Good wins over Lambton and Adamstown coupled with a draw against Maitland and a close defeat to Hamilton are evidence of their quality. But, similar to Valentine the Jets have had some disappointing results shown by a 10-2 loss to Broadmeadow.

Valentine’s goalkeepers Beyhan Irmako (back) and hero from the weekend Perry Budden (concussion) are both in doubt with Zac Park to take the gloves if both Irmako and Budden are out. The Jets will go into the match will the same squad who met Lambton last weekend.

What the Coaches Said:

Darren Sills (Valentine)

“The Jets are young, youthful and energetic and they absolutely slaughtered us in the first half of the game in the first round. It was a night game and there were a lot of guys who were coming from work and were fatigued. It was the only time all year I’ve had to give them a spray in the sheds. We won’t make the same mistakes hopefully.”

“It’s extremely important to have a win to end the season. It’s everything to us and if we win on the weekend we leapfrog the Jets. We can’t get fifth and that was our aim when we couldn’t get in the semis. To be honest it would just cap off a great season if we could beat the Jets.”

Clayton Zane (Jets Youth)

“We want to finish the final game with a win and finish as high up the table as possible. I think we can finish either 5^th, 6^th or 7^th depending on our result and Charlestown’s. There is plenty to play for in terms of making our season look decent on paper and it still is important for our preparation for the NYL.”

“This weekend is also a bit of a test of the mentality of the boys as well because they are still in the stage of the season where teams are out of finals and they can lose a bit of focus. We want them competing at the same level now as they were in round one as we are trying to get them ready for a 27 round A-league season.”

Key: Little separates these two sides, so whoever can do the little things right on Saturday should get the three points.

Maitland Magpies v Broadmeadow Magic

2.30pm, Sunday 14^th August at Cooks Square Park

Last Meeting: Broadmeadow 3 Maitland 0 at Magic Park, Wednesday 15^th June 2016.

Ladder: Maitland 4^th (29) Broadmeadow 3^rd (29)

Past 3 Starts (Most Recent First):

Maitland – Lost Eagles 2-1 (a), Won Bears 3-2 (h), Drew Jets 1-1(h)

Broadmeadow – Lost Blues 3-2 (a), Lost Phoenix 2-1 (a), Drew Olympic 2-2 (h)

Bottom Line

Maitland and Broadmeadow will be playing for third place and the right to meet Hamilton in the finals next weekend when they clash at Cooks Square Park on Sunday. Both sit on 29 points after 17 rounds and a draw will be enough for Broadmeadow to clinch the third spot due to a superior goal difference.

Both sides come off defeats last weekend, Broadmeadow went down to a resurgent Charlestown 3-2 after leading 2-0 early on in the first half. While Maitland, fell to Edgeworth 2-1 on a wet and heavy Jack McLaughlan Oval.

It is old boys’ day this weekend at Cooks Square Park, so that will not doubt give the Magpies a boost. But, the opportunity of taking on a side who haven’t beaten them this season in Hamilton will be a huge carrot for Maitland. The sides drew 0-0 at Cooks Square Park in round one, while they drew 1-1 at Darling Street in round 10, and the Magpies would be keen to take on Olympic once more. They will be keen to miss the Eagles who have beaten them 3-1 and 2-1 this season.

For Broadmeadow, the possibility of suspensions due to yellow card accumulation has cruelled the back part of their season and they will look to reach the finals with no suspensions hanging over the squad. It seems like it doesn’t matter who they meet in the finals, be it Edgeworth or Hamilton as they have a draw against both sides this season, a matchup with rivals Hamilton in the semis though would be an enthralling contest.

Matt Comerford (hamstring) returns for the Magpies while Matt Crowell’s luckless season continued spraining his ankle five minutes into his return from a hernia and will most likely miss the rest of the season.

For Broadmeadow, striker James Virgili (shoulder) is still out. Kale Bradbury (knee) is in doubt and is Jayden Barber (knee). Shane Paul risks a three-match suspension if he receives a yellow card on the weekend and is also in doubt for the trip to Maitland.

What the Coaches Said:

Reece Thompson (Maitland)

“We won’t be risking injury but we are definitely going all out for [third place]. We are going to put together our strongest possible side and we are willing to risk Matt Comerford even though he is on four cards. We want third, second year in the top flight and a top three would be a big finish for the club.”

“Against Broadmeadow the first round, I thought we were in the game, we pressed them well but were a bit unlucky in the end. We couldn’t press to full-time so we will take a different game plan. They probably overran us a bit in the middle of the park last time with Michael Kantarovski and Shane Paul in there. We’ve got a game plan and we’ll have a crack to try and finish third.”

Rob Virgili (Broadmeadow)

“We’d like to finish third [on the ladder] obviously, but it doesn’t really bother us who we play in the finals, whether its Olympic or Edgeworth they will be tough games.”

“We just need to try and improve on our last couple of games. It was disappointing to lose last weekend after leading 2-0 and we just need to get our backline and midfield players into shape. We will just try and keep a clean sheet coming into the finals and focus on our defence, as the attack will take care of itself.”

Key: With the third spot on the line, which side can overcome suspension and injury worries to set up a finals clash with Hamilton?

 source:northernnswfootball.com.au

Last weekends 2-2 draw clinched Hamilton Olympic FC the PS4 NPL NNSW Club Championship.

Well done to the Players and the whole Coaching Staff!

This is Olympic’s 3rd Club Championship in the last 5 years

source: Jim Pappas

Hamilton Olympic surrendered a 2-0 lead to Valentine Phoenix on a damp Darling St Oval pitch and thereby kissed the Minor Premiership goodbye with one round of the season remaining!

Olympic dominated play from the outset against a Valentine side that didn’t look capable of an upset.

The first chance to Olympic came in the 12^th minute when Daniel Bird crossed from the left to find Simon Mooney who forced a finger tipping save by Perry Budden from a thunderous shot from just outside the box.

Three minutes later, Rhys Cooper was on his way with the keeper to beat but was chopped from behind just outside the area with the ensuing free kick going narrowly out.

Andrew Swan then crossed from the left only for a Valentine defender to push the ball for a corner before Kane Goodchild was inches away from burying the ball in the back of the net.

Five minutes before half time, Andrew Swan crossed again and Tommy Spencer volleyed it home for the opening goal 1-0.

Despite the domination of play Olympic was lacking in their final touch which would have enabled them to put the game beyond the Valentine team.

The second half continued at the same tempo as the first with Olympic dominating play in the middle of the park but again lacking in the final touch in front of goal.

On the one hour mark it took four attempts after three rebound saves before Kane Goodchild could head Olympic into a 2-0 lead.

Nine minutes from the end Kane Goodchild had the chance to bury a cross from the left by Grant Brown but instead of finding the back of the net he sent his shot over the cross bar.

Five minutes from time, a momentary lapse in concentration by the Olympic defence enables a Matt Paul to receive the ball inside the box without an Olympic defender anywhere near him and with such a gift, has no problem reducing the score to 2-1.

A few moments later Kane Goodchild was flattened inside the box by the Valentine goalie but the referee waived play on!

In stoppage time Olympic win a penalty after the Valentine goalie flattened another attacking player in the box but the ensuing kick by Kane Goodchild sent the ball into the hands of the goalkeeper instead of the Valentine net!

To add insult to injury, a deep cross from the right finds Brenton Olzomer on the left who squeezes g a shot in before he was smothered by the Olympic defence and 2-2 puts the Major Premiership beyond reach!

Olympic were without injured goalkeeper Danny Ireland and midfielder Jacob Bailey, who is out for the season. Defender Grant Brown picked up a yellow card and will now miss the last round and the first week of the finals.

NPL NNSW Round 17 Results:

Newcastle Jets Youth – Lambton Jaffas 3-0

Hamilton Olympic – Valentine 2-2

Broadmeadow Magic – Charlestown 2-3

Weston – Adamstown 4-1

Edgeworth – Maitland 2-1

TABLE  FIRST  GRADE:

                                                         P     W  D  L       F – A   PTS

1. Edgeworth                    17    14   1   2       49-18      43
2. Hamilton Olympic       17    11   6   0       46-13    38
3. Broadmeadow Magic  17     8    5   4       47-28     29
4. Maitland                       17     8    5   4       34-21     29
5. Charlestown City         17     7    3   7       29-38     24
6. Newcastle JetsYouth  17      6    3   8      36-46     21
7. Valentine                      17      5    4    8      27-41     19
8. Lambton Jaffas           17      4    4     9     23-34     16
9. Adamstown                  17      3    2   12     20-50     11
10. Weston Workers          17     1    3  13      17-39       6

NPL Youth

Olympic vs Broadmeadow Magic

Under 17s lost 4-3
Under 15s lost 1-0
Under 14s lost 2-0
Under 13s won 3-1

source:TomTsamouras                                         

http://hamiltonolympic.com.au/c5/