Monthly Archives: May 2017

ALL IN: Hamilton Olympic captain Kyle Hodges in action against Magic.

HAMILTON skipper Kyle Hodges said news coach Michael Bolch will leave at season’s end will not be a distraction this year and the team will strive to send him out a winner.

Bolch withdrew this week his application to coach Olympic beyond this year. Hamilton was believed to have spoken to a rival club’s coach about their job for 2018. Bolch started at Hamilton in 2010 and steered them to the 2012 minor premiership, three club pointscores and two grand finals without taking the major title.

“I don’t think it will be distracting,” Hodges said of the news. “We’ll just get on with it and it would be great to send him out a winner, get him that grand final win that we’ve come so close to.”

Hodges said Bolch was “an awesome man manager” and “is just one of the guys really”.

“He’s more than just a coach to me, he’s a good friend as well,” he said. 

Olympic president George Sofianos said in a club statement on Tuesday that Bolch “is a friend, and will always be welcome at Darling Street”.

“Mick has enjoyed great success as head coach since he joined us at the start of the 2010 season,” Sofianos said in the statement.

“His record speaks for itself – 2012 premiers, undefeated in 2016, two grand final appearances, and three club championships in 2012, 2014 and 2016.”

The statement detailed his regular-season record of 73 wins and 33 draws from 143 matches, with 318 goals for and 195 against.

“We look forward to Mick continuing to lead our club on the field for the remainder of the 2017 season,” Sofianos said.

“We are currently leading the club championship pointscore, and all our senior teams are well placed to qualify for the semi-finals later this year.

“As important as the on-field success the club has enjoyed under Mick’s leadership, has been the way in which Mick has represented our club. He has respected our traditions and values from day one. He has always treated club supporters and officials with the utmost respect and our relationship with Mick has always been positive and collaborative. He is a friend, and will always be welcome at Darling Street.”

The statement also included Bolch saying: “I have really enjoyed my time at Olympic and the success we have had here. I want to thank the club for their support through all the years I have been here and I look forward to finishing this season on a high note.” 

Hodges was confident Olympic could challenge for silverware this season from fourth on 18 points, six behind leaders Edgeworth, after 11 games.

“We’ve haven’t had nearly a full team to pick from all year,” he said.

“The weekend gone [a 3-2 loss to Lambton Jaffas] was the first time we’ve had close to full strength.

“Danny [Ireland] has been away, which has been distracting because he’s the best keeper in the league by a mile. Tyler [Warren] has done well, but Danny is a class above everyone in the league. Leo Bertos leaving, Tommy Spencer being away for a few weeks and injuries to others, like me and the Swan brothers [Mat and Andrew]…

“But I’m confident we’ll be there at the business end.”

source:theherald.com

Michael (Mick) Bolch has informed Hamilton Olympic FC that he will not be seeking to continue in his role as Head Coach beyond the 2017 NNSW NPL Season.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Olympic and the success we have had here. I want to thank the Club for their support through all the years I have been here and I look forward to finishing this season on a high note” said Mick Bolch

“Mick has enjoyed great success as Head Coach since he joined us at the start of the 2010 season. His record speaks for itself – 2012 Premiers, undefeated in 2016, two Grand Final appearances, and three Club Championships in 2012, 2014 and 2016” said Club President, Mr. George Sofianos.

In overall terms, his record as Head Coach in the regular State League/NPL Seasons from 2010 to 2017 (to 27 May) is impressive:

Matches
143
Wins
73
Draws
33
Losses
37
Goals For
318
Goals Against
195
Points
252
Points/Match
1.76

“We look forward to Mick continuing to lead our Club on the field for the remainder of the 2017 Season. We are currently leading the Club Championship pointscore, and all our senior teams are well placed to qualify for the semi-finals later this year.” said Mr. Sofianos.

“As important as the on-field success the Club has enjoyed under Mick’s leadership, has been the way in which Mick has represented our Club. He has respected our traditions and values from day one. He has always treated Club supporters and officials with the utmost respect and our relationship with Mick has always been positive and collaborative. He is a friend, and will always be welcome at Darling Street.” said Mr Sofianos.

The Club will move towards the appointment of a replacement head Coach for the 2018 Season. Further announcements will be made in due course.

source:Tom Tsamouras

Kane Goodchild, scorer of both Olympic goals

Despite scoring two goals and rattling the Jaffas woodwork four times, Hamilton Olympic came away with no points from Arthur Edden Oval on Saturday.

Olympic began the game well controlling the middle of the park and playing with conviction.

The first opportunity for either team didn’t come until the 30^th minute when Sean Pratt received a pass from Scott Smith inside the area and had a great shot come off the Jaffas post!

Sean Pratt came close again when he executed a free kick just outside the area only to see his shot rebound off the Jaffas crossbar!

Jaffas have not created a single clear cut opportunity. Olympic look in control and it’s only a matter of time before a breakthrough!

Four minutes before half time Sean Pratt curls in another free kick from the right only to see his shot cannon off the Jaffas post for the third time!

Two minutes from half time a poor back pass was intercepted by Kane Goodchild who had no problem sending Olympic with a deserving 1-0 lead during the interval.

The second half began as a mirror of the first with Olympic going on the attack and Kane Goodchild having a powerful shot saved by Jaffas goalie Brad Swancott.

A quickly executed free kick by Pat Brown caught the Olympic defence napping with Joel Griffith receiving a through ball and being brought down by Tyler Warren before he could strike the ball. The ensuing penalty was executed by Joel Griffiths bringing the game back to 1-1.

In what appeared a harmless pass out wide to Luke Remington at the edge of the Olympic box and despite having a defender in front of him, the ensuing shot hits the Olympic post and ends up in the net for a 2-1 lead!

Despite this Olympic are still moving the ball and continue to play with conviction.

Against the run of play a cross from the right bounces inside the Olympic box twice and after the second bounce a looping header by Luke Remington ends up in the back of the net for a 3-1 lead!

Olympic now find themselves with a mountain to climb but they continue to press forward and continue to look dangerous.

In the 77^th minute Kane Goodchild side steps a few challenges outside the Jaffas area and unleashes a curling shot in the top right hand corner for a 3-2 scoreline!

In the 81^st minute Rhys Cooper comes close with a shot from the right which is slightly wide.

In the 87^th minute Sean Pratt strikes a free kick from the edge of the box only to see it rebound into play from the Jaffas woodwork for the fourth time!

Despite pressing hard until the final whistle, Olympic are unable to equalise and end up with a disappointing result but not a disappointing performance.

Under 20s Olympic won 5-1
Under 18s Olympic won 3-1

NPL Youth
Olympic vs North Coast
Under 16s bye
Under 15s Olympic won 4-0
Under 14s North Coast won 1-2
Under 13s Olympic won 3-0

Zone League 2
Olympic vs Kahibah
1st Grade Olympic won 4-2
2nd Grade Olympic won 3-2

NET results
Under 10s Olympic defeated Wallsend 4-0
Under 11s Olympic defeated Wallsend 5-1
Under 12s Olympic defeated Valentine 3-1

Olympic Junior Results
Under 15a Olympic defeated by Nelson Bay 0-5
Under 13a Olympic defeated Magic 5-1
Under 12b Olympic defeated Magic 2-1

Under 8/2 Olympic drew with Nelson Bay
Under 6/1 Olympic defeated by Kotara

Source: Tom Tsamouras

Lambton Jaffas v Hamilton Olympic

2.30pm Saturday 27^th May at Arthur Edden Oval

Last Meeting: Round 1, 2017: Hamilton 2 Lambton 3 at Darling Street Oval.

Ladder: Lambton 2^nd (20), Hamilton 4^th (18)

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

Lambton – Lost Jets 1-2 (h), Won Magpies 2-1 (a), Won Rosebud 3-1 (a)

Bottom LineSince Lambton were promoted to the Northern NSW top flight in 2013, Hamilton and the Jaffas have shared a healthy rivalry.

In 2013, Lambton won two penalty shoot-outs in the finals series against Olympic – both 5-4 – after 1-1 draws in regulation time. In 2015, Hamilton got their revenge, winning through to the Grand Final courtesy of a Rhys Cooper goal in extra-time.

Last year, it was Olympic who crushed Lambton in their first meeting, led by striker Kane Goodchild’s hat-trick.

Then in the Westfield FFA Cup last year, when most thought Olympic would waltz through to the Round of 32 against an injury-ravaged Lambton side, Jobe Wheelhouse produced a midfield master to cause one of the biggest upsets of the season.

This season, the roles and reversed and it is Lambton who are flying high, and Hamilton who will look to clip their wings.

While Olympic, have been very much up and down in recent weeks they returned to form last weekend, as they rolled up their sleeves and put in a tough 90-minute display in a 2-1 defeat of rivals Broadmeadow.

Comparatively, Lambton come into the match following just their second defeat of the season. An injury-ravaged Jaffas side fell to an impressive Newcastle Jets Youth outfit 2-1 at home.

After leading the competition for a majority of the season to date, Edgeworth have now taken over that mantle and Lambton will be keen to keep pace with the Eagles.

It’s hard to split this one with both sides experiencing injury worries. There is no doubt it will be tight.

In a boost for Olympic, Matt Swan will return, however, midfield dynamo Rhys Cooper (knee) is still a fifty-fifty proposition according to coach Mick Bolch.

For Lambton, Ridge Marpu (hamstring) and Michael Kantarovski (groin) will miss the match, while Nathan Verity is in doubt.

What the Coaches Said:

James Pascoe (Lambton)

“A couple of things in the Jets Youth game, that didn’t look like ourselves. We were pretty tactically ill-disciplined in terms of timing of movements and patterns of our runs when we had the football. That then effects, when you lose possession, your defensive set-up. We were a bit all over the place with and without the ball on the weekend. The boys are well up for this one so I think we’ll see a much better performance.”

“I think [we got a lot of confidence after that round one win]. We spoke about that this week. One of the things we have been this year is pretty resilient. I think in the opening three of four games we were a goal down and game back, or it’s been backing up for after a loss and making sure we’ve won the next game. That game I think kicked that whole process off, to come back from 2-0 down, the first game of the season, decent crowd, a team that was undefeated in the competition proper the year before, home and away. That did a lot for confidence.”

Mick Bolch (Hamilton)

“[Lambton] are strong all over the park. They have recruited seven new players and they ran over the top of us in the first round. They’ve got threats all over the park. Pat Brown’s been knocking goals in, Griffo’s [Joel Griffiths] been knocking goals in. Luke Remington’s a danger, Jobe Wheelhouse is quality. Ridge Marpu and [Dain] Greentree have been really good out wide. They’ve got quality all over the field.”

“[The round one loss won’t affect us] greatly. I thought we were really good for 45 minutes and poor for the last 30 minutes. They ran over the top of us. That was nine weeks ago, so hopefully, we’ve improved a bit since then. They obviously had a few out last week against the Jets, but, up to then they had sort of been the benchmark for everyone chasing. It’ll be an interesting game.”

Key: Lambton have won just 3 of their last 14 home matches. Do they have an issue with the smaller Arthur Edden Oval?

U18s Lambton Jaffas vs Hamilton Olympic kick off 10:45 Saturday 27 May at Arthur Edden Oval

U20s Lambton Jaffas vs Hamilton Olympic kick off 12:30 Saturday 27 May at Arthur Edden Oval

YOUTH NPL:

U13s Hamilton Olympic vs North Coast Football kick off 1:00pm Sat 27 May at LMRFF-Speers Point

U14s Hamilton Olympic vs North Coast Football kick off 3:00pm Sat 27 May at LMRFF-Speers Point

U15s Hamilton Olympic vs North Coast Football kick off 1:00pm Sat 27 May at LMRFF-Speers Point

U16s Hamilton Olympic vs North Coast Football kick off 3:00pm Sat 27 May at LMRFF-Speers Point

IN OTHER GAMES:

Adamstown Rosebud v Jets Youth

2.30pm Saturday 20^th May at Cahill Oval

Last Meeting: Round 1, 2017: Adamstown 4 Jets Youth 4 at Adamstown Oval.

Ladder: Adamstown 10^th (7), Jets Youth 11^th (6)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

Jets – Won Jaffas 2-1 (a), Lost Magic 1-5 (h), Drew Roosters 3-3 (a)

Adamstown – Won Magpies 3-1 (h), Drew Blues 2-2 (a), Lost Jaffas 1-3 (h)

Bottom Line

The Jets Youth thought they had escaped the cellar last weekend when they caused a huge upset against the first-placed Jaffas, only for Adamstown to do likewise against Maitland at Adamstown Oval.

Both of these sides have improved considerably since the early part of the season. While they are both by a stretch the worst defensive sides in the competition, the last month for both has been kind.

In the four matches each both sides played during that time, they only lost three combined. It has simply been the draws which have crippled them.

Last weekend the Jets were impressive in the way they used pace to hurt the Jaffas on two breaks that were finished off by Kristian Brymora on both occasions.

The Jets striker now has four goals in his last three matches and seems to be returning to the form he was in last year when he scored 13 and was the 5^th highest scorer in the competition.

Finally, for the Rosebud’s, they grabbed an early goal and went on with it. Alex Read scored a double along with Aaron Niyonkuru’s first on the season against Maitland.

While they have played better and lost according to coach Pete McGuinness, that won’t worry Adamstown as that kind of performance has been brewing over the last month, where they have only lost one of four.

What the Coaches Said:

Pete McGuinness (Adamstown)

“It is absolutely paramount that we win this weekend, and I’ll be stressing that to the boys and I think they know that. They enjoyed last week, they enjoyed getting the win, and they enjoyed singing their song. If we want to climb ourselves up out of the bottom area then need to win this week.”

“The whole week of training this week will be a whole little bit more relaxed and a little bit more tactical. When you are losing all the time you are trying to fix things, you are trying to right the wrongs that had happened that had caused you to lose the game. When you win, it is all about how do we prepare for the next opposition, how do they play, what are we up against, what is their likely line-up so you are focusing more on the future than looking at the past, as a result of winning.”

Clayton Zane (Jets Youth)

“It’s a massive game for both of us. We both find ourselves at the wrong end of the table, and [Adamstown] have been quite competitive as of late and they have probably not picked up as many points as they would have hoped for either. We are both in similar situations, so it will be a decent game with quite a bit at stake for both teams.”

“For us, we are more amount trying to build confidence and build on our performance again. For a coach, it’s always nice getting the first win when you haven’t had one for a while it’s massive, but, then if you can string two or three you really start to get a lot of belief within your squad that anything is possible.

Key: Which side can keep the consistency going after recording their first victories last weekend?

Valentine Phoenix v Charlestown City Blues

2.30pm Saturday 23^rd May at Cahill Oval

Last Meeting: Round 1, 2017: Charlestown 1 Valentine 2 at Lisle Carr Oval.

Ladder: Valentine 3^rd (19), Charlestown 8^th (11)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

Valentine – Lost Eagles 0-1 (h), Drew Olympic 1-1 (h), Won Jets 1-0 (a)

Charlestown – Lost Bears 0-3 (a), Drew Rosebud 2-2 (h), Lost Eagles 0-2 (a)

Bottom Line

If Valentine want to go one step closer to ensuring they will play finals in 2017, they will want to take three points away from their meeting with Charlestown.

The Phoenix had a good record in their first year back in the top flight, against the Blues, drawing once and winning the other. They continued that run of form in the opening round this season as goals from Josh Carroll and Chris Brown led Valentine to a 2-1 victory.

While they did fall 1-0 in a tight clash against Edgeworth in round 10, Valentine have been in good form over their last seven matches, losing just once during that period. It leaves them just two points off the first-placed Eagles.

While Valentine have been flying high, Charlestown have dipped in form recently after claiming impressive victories over Hamilton and Broadmeadow earlier in the season.

The Blues haven’t won in four matches and while they had the bye last weekend, their last performance wasn’t one to remember, going down 3-0 to Weston.

At the halfway point in the competition, the Blues defence has been solid, conceding 16 goals in 10 matches, however, it is in front of goal where they have struggled, after the loss of striker Scott Smith to Hamilton, in the off-season, along with Josh Swadling after just round one.

Valentine are favourites in this one, although Charlestown have responded well to poor performances in the past. After a disappointing showing in round three earlier this year against Lake Macquarie, the Blues responded to win three of their next four.

Valentine will be thin on numbers this weekend with goalkeeper Scott Carter (quad) out of the side. Chris Brown and Scott McGinley (China) are also out as is Alex Tserepas (ankle). Zac Sneddon (groin) is in doubt as is Josh Carroll (foot).

What the Coaches Said:

Darren Sills (Valentine)

It is really important [to win this weekend]. It is getting tight there [on the ladder] now and there are still clubs hanging around. Maitland have got the bye this weekend, so it’s a good opportunity to get away from them again after their surprise defeat on the weekend. It’s something that we will be looking forward to doing. The other games obviously, Jaffas, Olympic and Magic and Edgy [Edgeworth] are huge games for the make up [of the finals].

“Our boys need a bit of a freshen up too, so we might do something a little bit different at training this week, we might even set up a little bit differently for the Charlestown game, just to freshen them up a little bit. We’ve been feeling good defensively, and because we are focusing on defence, the boys are working hard off the ball [which is fatiguing].”

Key: Valentine haven’t lost at Cahill oval this year. Can it remain a fortress?

Broadmeadow Magic v Edgeworth Eagles

2.30pm Sunday 28^th May at Magic Park

Last Meeting: Round 1, 2017: Edgeworth 1 Broadmeadow 1 at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

Ladder: Broadmeadow 7^th (12), Edgeworth 1^st (21)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

Broadmeadow – Lost Olympic 1-2 (h), Won Jets 5-1 (a), Lost Magpies 0-7 (h)

Edgeworth – Won Lakes (a), Won Phoenix 1-0 (h), Won Bears 2-1 (a)

Bottom Line

After a tight encounter in round one, Broadmeadow will feel they have the ability to end their poor run of form against the Eagles of late. Magic haven’t won in their last seven against Edgeworth dating back to their last victory in round three, 2015.

While they may be at different ends of the ladder, it would be foolish to write Broadmeadow of in this fixture.

In the so-called ‘big matches’ this year against sides in the top four, Magic have lost just once, to Hamilton. They drew with Edgeworth and Lambton, and they beat Valentine 3-2. So, what has gone wrong with Magic to date?

They have shown they can match it with the top sides, however, it has been their uncharacteristically poor form in front of goal which has crippled them this year. Last season they average 2.7 goals per game in the regular season, currently, they are at 1.4.

Edgeworth, in comparison, are humming along superbly and coach Damian Zane still doesn’t think they have quite hit their straps. The Eagles are undefeated in seven, which is nine unbeaten if you include their Westfield FFA Cup matches.

They have won their last six PlayStation®4 NPL NNSW matches and come into this clash against Magic with plenty of confidence after their late fightback to win against Lakes – where they scored two goals in the final 10 minutes.

Based on recent form, Edgeworth have to be favourites, but, if Magic can find form in front of goal they can’t be written off.

What the Coaches Said:

Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

“I think we’ve got to match-up in midfield well. Shane Paul, I think if you are not going to match it physically and work hard like he does [you’ll struggle], I think he’s a massive part of their team. He’s probably not that flashy guy that scores a lot of goals, but, he gets on the scoresheet and helps assist and does a lot of their dirty work. For me, against them, it’s just concentration for 90. If you switch off for one moment they have got guys that can punish you. I don’t care what form they are in. If you switch off, you can get hurt pretty quickly.”

“I don’t believe in luck. It’s a game of football. It’s a game of opinions. People say, we outplayed them and you walk off with a loss. Guess what, in some facet of the game, you didn’t outplay them, and they outplayed you because they scored more goals than you, so I’m not a believer in this ‘we should have won, we played better.’ You either win or you lose and there is a reason behind it.”

Key: Can Broadmeadow turn around their poor run of form against the Eagles?

Lake Macquarie City v Weston Bears

2.30pm Sunday 27^th May at Macquarie Field

Last Meeting: Round 1, 2017: Weston 2 Lakes Macquarie 2 at Rockwell Automation Park.

Ladder: Lakes 6^th (13), Weston 9^th (7)

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):

Lakes – Lost Eagles 1-2 (h), Drew Olympic 1-1 (a), Drew Jets 3-3 (h)

Weston – Lost Phoenix 1-2 (a), Won Blues 3-0 (h), Lost Eagles 1-2 (h)

Bottom Line

Two sides who were beaten in heart-breaking circumstances last weekend meet at Macquarie Field this week, the venue that Lake Macquarie fell to Edgeworth last weekend.

Lakes, we less than ten minutes from pulling off one of the upsets of the season, after they were beaten in a massive upset in the Westfield FFA Cup days earlier.

Matt Toohey ensured the Roosters would lead midway through the opening half and they carried the lead through until the 83^rd minute when Keigo Moriyasu struck. If that wasn’t enough pain, Ayden Brice snatched all three points for Edgeworth in stoppage time.

In similar circumstances at Cahill Oval, Weston had the better of play in the second half against Valentine, however, the Bears couldn’t quite snatch the go-ahead goal.

In stoppage time, Dean Pettit struck for Valentine and Weston went home empty handed.

Both sides will have the fire burning this week after each side lost twice last week, both in the Westfield FFA Cup and the PS4 NPL NNSW. Lakes need a win to keep touch with the top four, while Weston would like to climb further away from the cellar.

Earlier in the season, these two couldn’t be split as they played out a 2-2 draw in Weston. It’s been a dry spell of results for Lakes against the Bears, having not won against them since 2011.

It should be another tight match, in a tough round to pick.

Jordan Jackson (cork) is likely to be out for the Bears.

What the Coaches Said:

Anthony Richards (Lakes)

“It doesn’t change anything for us to be honest. Last weekend’s result doesn’t inspire us to go to greater heights this weekend. Seriously for us, if its Weston we do the best we can and if it’s Edgeworth we do the best we can. So, nothing really changes for us, we don’t really put that pressure on ourselves. We just accept that it is a game of football and we’d like to be our best in it and if that’s best over 90 then happy days.”

“I said in round one that these guys as the year goes on are going to be a lot better. They are at a great stage now. They’ve got some good young guys. Brock Oakley at the back, the enforcer, he is honest at the back with Greg Anderson. Those two guys do really well for them. They’ve come along just how I would expect a good young side to come along.”

Steve Piggott (Weston)

“Very disappointing not to get a share of the points last week again. The 92^nd minute, 30 seconds to go. The players you could see in their faces that they were disappointed not to get the result. You could see they worked so hard during the game and to get nothing out of that game, it’s a pretty hollow feeling.”

“Lake Macquarie, they’ve been in a lot of matches too. They’ve got a few more points than us and it should be a fairly open affair, to be honest. Whoever is tidy at the back and can keep the goals out I think will come out on top in this one.”

Key: Who can respond better after last weekend’s heartbreak?

source: sportstg.com

Hamilton Olympic FC are one again holding their Annual 5 day  Indoor Coaching Clinic at Genesis Fitness ( previously Howzat) in Cooks Hill, our 21^st successive year of the Clinic!

We are the only Indoor Clinic in the first week of the July School Holidays, so whatever the weather is outside, our Clinic is guaranteed to be on!

Details can be found by either going to the link provided, or an application form is attached. Our clinic is open to all registered boys and girls aged from 5 years to 13 years of age. Feel free to forward the link   http://hamiltonolympic.com.au/c5/index.php/winter-coaching-clinic or form to anyone else that may be interested in attending.

Regards,

Con Gounis

HOFC

M 0423221352

Edgeworth seized the Northern NSW National Premier League lead with two late goals against Lake Macquarie while Broadmeadow Magic’s finals chances hang in the balance after a 2-1 loss to derby rivals Hamilton Olympic on Sunday.

Lake Macquarie, knocked out of the FFA Cup midweek by third-tier Cardiff City, looked poised to atone at Macquarie Field when they led Edgeworth 1-0 thanks to a first-half header from Matt Toohey.

But Keigo Moriyasu equalised in the 81^st minute and Aiden Bryce scored the winner two minutes from time to lift the Eagles (21) a point above Lambton, who were surprise 2-1 losers to the Jets youth team on Saturday after a double to Kristian Brymora.

At Magic Park, the home side took a deserved lead in the 13^th minute when Takumi Sunada’s free kick deflected off the wall, wrong-footed keeper Tyler Warren and bounced in off the left post.

Olympic levelled through a Kane Goodchild penalty against the run of the play in the 25^th minute after Magic keeper Niko Giantsopoulos brought down Daniel Bird.

Scott Smith won his side a second penalty in the 39^th minute after a collision with Magic captain Josh Piddington. Giantsopoulos saved his spot kick, but Smith stroked home the rebound to put the visitors in front.

Both keepers produced one-on-one stops against Goodchild then James Virgili in the space of a few seconds early in the second half, and substitute Andrew Swan typified a committed Olympic defensive performance with a diving header on the goal line to deny Piddington a chance in the dying minutes.

Hamilton coach Michael Bolch was pleased to see a “big turnaround” from his side’s 4-2 defeat against Edgeworth in the FFA Cup on Wednesday night. 

“I was happy with the commitment of the boys,” Bolch said. “I thought it just became an arm wrestle.

“They were probably the better side when they led 1-0, even though it was a deflection. From there we got back into the game. I know they had a lot of corners and balls into the box, but I don’t think they really created anything or got in behind us.”

The win put Olympic (18) in fourth above Maitland (16), who lost 3-1 at previously winless Adamstown. Aaron Niyonkuru scored in the third minute for Rosebud before Alex Read scored twice to make it 3-0. Ben Martin pulled a goal back for Maitland from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute. 

Magic (12) are six points outside the top four halfway through the season and face Edgeworth this weekend.

Valentine (19) edged out Weston 2-1 on Saturday to stay third thanks to goals from Josh Murray and teenager Dean Pettit.

Under 20s Olympic won 4-0
Under 18s drew 1-1

NPL Youth
Charlestown City Blues
Under 16s Olympic won 3-0
Under 15s Olympic won 2-0
Under 14s Olympic won 8-0
Under 13s Olympic won 3-0

Zone League 2
Olympic vs Uni Mens
1st Grade Olympic won 7-1
2nd Grade Olympic won 3-0

NET results
Under 10s Olympic defeated Cooks Hill 5-0
Under 11s Olympic defeated Cook Hill 2-1
Under 12s Olympic defeated New Lambton 1-0

Olympic Junior Results
Under 16a Olympic defeated by Kotara 0-4
Under 15a Olympic defeated by Maitland 2-5
Under 13a Olympic defeated by Kahibah 2-3
Under 12b Olympic defeated by Valentine 1-2

Under 9/1 Olympic defeated by Magic
Under 9/2 Olympic
Under 8/1 Olympic defeated Magic
Under 8/2 Olympic defeated by Magic
Under 7/1 Olympic defeated Magic
Under 6/1 Olympic defeated by Magic
Under 6/2 Olympic defeated Magic
Under 6/3 Olympic washed out

Wednesday night
Under 15 Olympic defeated by Maitland 1-2
Under 12 NET Olympic defeated Valentine 2-0

source: theherald.com.au

Broadmeadow Magic v Hamilton Olympic
2.30pm Sunday 21^st May at Magic Park

Last Meeting: Semi Final – 2^nd Leg, 2016: Hamilton 1 Broadmeadow 2 at Darling Street Oval.

Ladder: Broadmeadow 7^th (12pts), Hamilton 5^th (15)

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):

Hamilton – Drew Roosters 1-1 (h), Drew Phoenix 1-1 (a), Won Bears 2-0 (h)

Broadmeadow – Won Jets 5-1 (a), Lost Magpies 0-7 (h), Drew Rosebuds 0-0 (a)

 Bottom Line

If this derby is half as good as the drama which was on show the last time these two sides met, it should be an entertaining contest.

Last season, Olympic and Magic produced two classic semi-final contests, with the second leg going down to the wire at Darling Street Oval as Hamilton almost produced an immense comeback.

This season, if finals are to be reached by both these clubs they need to start turning good performances into winning ones. Both sides have controlled the ball well and created chances in their matches this season, however, it has been in front of goal where both have hit snags.

Broadmeadow had scored one goal in seven hours of PS4 NPL NNSW football, before a five-goal blitz last weekend against the Jets. While the Jets have the leakiest defence in the competition, it was just the confidence Magic’s strike paring of James Virgili and Kale Bradbury needed.

Although they will face a much sterner test this weekend against an Olympic side boasting the second best defensive record.

Olympic, in comparison, fluffed their lines in front of goal against Lake Macquarie. It took a howitzer from Grant Brown in the 86^th minute to snatch a point.

Injuries to key personnel including Tommy Spencer, Rhys Cooper, Danny Ireland and Andrew Swan have handicapped Olympic over their nine matches thus far. It would be naive to discount the influence of those four in the Olympic side.

With Broadmeadow also in an injury crisis – including Alex Kantarovski, Lawrence Foteff, Scott Robertson, Jayden Barber and Jon Griffiths – this should even up the contest which should be tight.

Olympic will have a boost with new signing Sean Pratt joining the side from the Central Coast. However, Rhys Cooper (knee) will remain on the sideline.

Olympic went down to Edgeworth 4-2 in the Westfield FFA Cup while Broadmeadow made it eight goals in two matches with a 3-0 win against New Lambton.

What the Coaches Said:

Ruben Zadkovich (Broadmeadow)

“Big games. We are looking forward to both these next two games. We’ve got Olympic and then Edgy [Edgeworth] at home. Two really big games. A little bit disappointing in the last two weeks, we’ve lost a lot of boys to injury and crucial, crucial players. We went into the [Maitland] game with three of our starting players out of the game, and it showed the way we started the game and then it was like Murphy’s Law, four penalties a red card. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“[Hamilton] are probably [similar to us] just not taking their chances in front of goal. It’s probably our biggest flaw, just not taking our chances when we have them. The results were not really a reflection, the three draws we had, we all should have won. The results weren’t really a reflection of how we have played, and I think Olympics probably the same.”

Mick Bolch (Hamilton)

“Obviously, they are going to be on a bit of a high after scoring five on the weekend and they’ve got New Lambton midweek so I’m sure they will score a few against them. It’s just been a matter of time until they click. They’ve got the same side as last year, bar a new goalkeeper and the boy from Perth [Scott Robertson]. They’ve got quality all over the park.”

“You get excited and all that, but, you don’t have to do all the work or put a lot of emphasis on building the boys up to it. These are the games they want to play. If you have seen the two semi-finals last year that were epic encounters. I’m sure this one will be no different.”

Key: With both sides experiencing an injury crises, whose depth will stand tall in the derby?

U20s Broadmeadow Magic vs Hamilton Olympic  kick off 12:30 Sunday 21 May at magic Park

U18s Broadmeadow Magic vs Hamilton Olympic  kick off 10:45 Sunday 21 May at magic Park

YOUTH NPL:

U16s Charlestown City vs Hamilton Olympic kick off 10.00am Sun 21 May Lisle Carr Oval

U15s Charlestown City vs Hamilton Olympic kick off 11.30am Sun 21 May Lisle Carr Oval

U14s Charlestown City vs Hamilton Olympic kick off 1.00pm Sun 21 May Lisle Carr Oval

U13s Charlestown City vs Hamilton Olympic kick off 2.30pm Sun 21 May Lisle Carr Oval

Valentine Phoenix v Weston Workers Bears
2.30pm Saturday 20^th May at Cahill Oval

Last Meeting: Round 14, 2016: Valentine 2 Weston 2 at Cahill Oval.

Ladder: Valentine 4^th (16), Weston 9^th (7)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

Valentine – Lost Eagles 0-1 (h), Drew Olympic 1-1 (h), Won Jets 1-0 (a)

Weston – Won Blues 3-0 (h), Lost Eagles 1-2 (h), Lost Olympic 0-2 (a)

Bottom Line

These two sides meet at the halfway point of the season having had differing results last weekend in contrast to their respective positions on the ladder.

The ninth-placed Bears grabbed their first three points of the season against Charlestown in a clinical 3-0 win, while Valentine fell 1-0 to Edgeworth in a tight affair at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

The importance of this match for Valentine is plain for everyone to see. After such a positive start to the season, they can’t afford to lose two consecutive matches before the midway mark.

A win, however, and they could cement themselves into the top four and may prove difficult to dislodge.

On the flip side, Weston will be buoyed by their 3-0 home win against the Blues and will be looking to back that win up with another strong performance at Cahill Oval.

After a tough opening two months to the season, the Bears didn’t deserve to be winless at this point and have been building throughout the season.

Zac Thomas, James Thompson and Adam Smith’s confidence will have been boosted by goals last weekend, as will the Bears defence and keeper Kane Runge who kept his first clean sheet on the weekend.

The Phoenix come into the match with the better head to head record of late. They haven’t lost in their last three matches against the Bears which dates back to 2013.

In the Westfield FFA Cup midweek, Weston went down 3-2 to Maitland while Valentine beat the Suns 4-2.

What the Coaches Said:

 Darren Sills (Valentine)

“They are an improved side. I went and watched them against Edgeworth and I thought they battled away quite well. They’ve got a great striker up front, Cooper Buswell. He’s a really impressive striker, I like him. For his age, he shows a lot of maturity. There are other blokes there who have been there for a while. Jake Barner, he’s doing well for them. The old bloke, Greg Anderson, he is still rock solid.”

“It’s massive. We’ve got two massive games and if you have a look the big name teams all play each other in the next two weeks and if we can get a result this weekend and the following that is putting it right in there. Again, you look too far ahead and you miss out what you should be concentrating on.”

Steve Piggott (Weston)

“Darren and his young partner Sam, his assistant, have got them going well. Structurally they are pretty sound. They have got the young American up front who scores goals and he is a bit of a handful. They had a difficult match against the Suns and got through it late, so we are both in the same boat. They are up the table, they deserve to be there.”

“We just lacked the intensity and the drive to mix it with [Maitland in the FFA Cup]. Again, they are a big strong physical side and we didn’t even take it to them. That’s the disappointing part for the coaching staff, not just myself. It was just one of those days where your team doesn’t turn up and even your best players who are normally consistent have bad days.”

 Key: After a strong performance at home last weekend, can the Bears respond after a disappointing midweek showing against Maitland?

Lambton Jaffas v Newcastle Jets Youth
2.30pm Saturday 20^th May at Arthur Edden Oval

Last Meeting: Round 17, 2016: Jets Youth 3 Lambton 0 at Arthur Edden Oval.

Ladder: Lambton 1^st (20), Jets Youth 11^th (3)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

Lambton – Won Magpies 2-1 (a), Won Rosebud 3-1 (a), Won Blues 2-1 (a)

Jets – Lost Magic 1-5 (h), Drew Roosters 3-3 (a), Lost Phoenix 0-1 (a)

Bottom Line

Lambton will look to continue their dominant form on Saturday – which has seen them rise to the top of ladder – against a Jets Youth outfit who have struggled so far this season and sit last.

Coming off the bye in round nine, the Jaffas quickly clicked into gear against Maitland, scoring first, before they had to dig deep in the second half with just ten men to hold on for a 2-1 victory.

The Jaffas have lost just once in their nine matches played, and in doing so have scored a league-high 21 goals – four more than their nearest rival.

Lambton also managed a midweek Westfield FFA Cup win, taking down Adamstown 1-0.

In contrast, the Jets Youth have conceded the most in the competition to date with 28 in their nine matches at an average of just over three per game.

Their defence seemed to be on the improve after successive, tight 1-0 losses against Edgeworth and Valentine, but in the last two matches, they have conceded eight.

The Jets went down 5-1 to Broadmeadow last weekend, so their confidence may have taken a bruising, especially after letting in five goals against the worst attacking side going into last round.

It seems this match has only one result based on the statistics – a big win to Lambton.

However, in big matches, the Jets Youth invariably stand up and expect them to put in a strong performance on Saturday. The real question is whether it will be enough against a Jaffas side with quality in abundance?

What the Coaches Said:

Paul Gomez (Jets Youth Assistant)

“I think it is for them [playing against former A-League players]. They’re a group of players that get motivated by the bigger challenges, so I think it will have a positive effect on them going into the match and give them something not only to get up for in the game but aspire to as well.”

“If you are going to assess [Lambton’s] strengths, it’s all over the pitch. The depth that they have got in their squad is one of the best going around town. It’s hard to isolate areas where their weaknesses lie. If I had to pick one [strength] out, obviously, the athleticism of their wing backs in Ridge Marpu and Dane Greentree and those are the areas we need to look at to make sure that we isolate.”

Key: Against the last-placed Jets, can Lambton keep their focus and put on a ruthless showing?

Adamstown Rosebud v Maitland FC
2.30pm Sunday 20^th May at Adamstown Oval

Last Meeting: Round 14, 2016: Maitland 4 Adamstown 2 at Cooks Square Park.

Ladder: Adamstown 10^th (4), Maitland 3^rd (16)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

Adamstown – Drew Blues 2-2 (a), Lost Jaffas 1-3 (h), Drew Magic 0-0 (h)

Maitland – Lost Jaffas 1-2 (h), Won Magic 7-0 (a), Won Roosters 1-0 (h)

 Bottom Line

Adamstown will be aiming to grab their first win of the season when they take on a Maitland side looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance last weekend against Lambton.

The Rosebuds are fresh off the bye, however, they did play a Westfield FFA Cup match on Wednesday – a 1-0 loss to Lambton – so they won’t come in totally fresh.

Since their round six match against Lake Macquarie where they went down 2-1 the Rosebuds have been on an upward trend ever since and while they are yet to win this season they don’t seem far off.

Opponents Maitland come into the match a little disappointed and keen to make a point after going down 2-1 to a ten man Lambton outfit last weekend. However, a 3-2 win over Weston midweek will have restored some confidence.

They set the bar high after a 7-0 demolition job of Broadmeadow Magic the week before and fell well below the standards they had set after that victory.

While they have had a disjointed start to the season, with wet weather catch up matches as well as Westfield FFA Cup commitments, it seems things may settle down for the Magpies and they can get down to business.

Maitland will come into the match as favourites based on their form to date. The Magpies also won both matches last season by a combined margin of 10-3 and Adamstown will be gunning for their first victory over them since 2015.

What the Coaches Said:

Pete McGuinness (Adamstown)

‘Obviously, we really want to win a game of football. I think the last few weeks, we drew with Magic, then we had a win midweek in the Cup game and performed quite well against Jaffas, just not as much, I guess, class as they had. But, I thought in that game we were still having a real good go at them.

“At 2-1 down, [against the Jaffas] they got one in injury time to win 3-1, that was a better performance again, so I think if you look at those matches, our last three games, albeit one was a cup game against a NewFM team, we’ve had a draw, a win and a loss, a close loss really. So, there is a bit of momentum there to say things are improving.”

Phil Dando (Maitland)

“We need to get back to where we were the week before. Credit to Lambton Jaffas, they did well against us to stop us playing the type of football we want to play. We’ve just got to get back to playing as well as we can play. I’m still disappointed, particularly the way we played the week before. I wanted to get something out of the game anyone, put it that way. I believe at our best we are a match for anyone in the comp. To lose to anyone I’m disappointed.”

“[Adamstown] are obviously getting nearer to a win and it’s going to be our job to make sure it’s not us that gives them it. There is not a lot between top and bottom in this competition and so we’ve got to be at our best to go there and get a result. We need [a win] to get close to the target I’ve set us for the first half of the season, so, if we’re going to be genuine title contenders… we need a win.”

Key: Adamstown have only scored seven goals in their last eight matches. Maitland scored seven in one game. Can the Rosebuds find form in front of goal?

Lake Macquarie City v Edgeworth Eagles
2.30pm Sunday 20^th May at Macquarie Field

Last Meeting: Round 13, 2014: Edgeworth 1 Lake Macquarie 0 at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

Ladder: Lakes 6^th (13), Edgeworth 2^nd (18)

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

Edgeworth – Won Phoenix 1-0 (h), Won Bears 2-1 (a), Won Blues 2-0 (h)

Bottom Line

Edgeworth returns to Macquarie Field for the first time since 2014 and they will be hoping for a different result than three years ago where they were forced to share the points after a late goal from Sam Walker.

The Eagles will come into this one as favourites after recording their fifth win in a row against Hamilton in the Westfield FFA Cup. On the weekend, the Eagles were made to work hard for their victory over Valentine, scoring once through veteran Daniel McBreen as they ground out a 1-0 victory.

While the end result was tight on Sunday, Edgeworth never looked like conceding with Josh Evans, Pat Wheeler and Dom Bizzarri nullifying the Valentine strike force to ensure they remain the best defence in the comp. They have conceded just five times in nine matches of football.

Lakes have been so very determined over their nine matches played so far. Many expected them to fall last weekend against Hamilton, but a dogged defensive display saw them share the points. It took a wonder strike from Olympic defender Grant Brown to breach their defence.

While they have dropped down the ladder in recent weeks, the Roosters have only lost one of their last four PS4 NPL NNSW matches and are hanging on to the coattails of the top four. A loss to Zone League side Cardiff in the Westfield FFA Cup may have hurt, but, will give Lakes more chance to focus on the league.

This round sees all of the top four clubs, meeting sides outside the top four, and a loss for all the sides outside the top four – including Lakes – could see their grip loosen.

Mentally it has been a huge week for Edgeworth, having to get themselves up for the Westfield FFA Cup clash against Hamilton.

If they are to strike, this weekend could be just the right moment to catch the Eagles napping.

Lakes welcome back midfielder Justin Broadley (toe) and Steve Rospigliosi (work). Josh Symons and Dean Holt (overseas) will be out of the side.

What the Coaches Said:

 Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

“They are probably similar to Valentine in ways. They’re probably a bit more counter-attacking than Valentine. They were sort of like Valentine last year, I think they have exceeded everyone’s expectations. They seem like a really tight unit. Sam Walker, I tried to sign him when I took over, I rate him pretty highly and Blake Green has been really impressive for me. They are a pretty handy team so we won’t be taking them lightly.”

“I like that they didn’t make a lot of changes when they came up. I think you’ve just got to look at our team. We don’t have massive turnover each year. I think the longer the group is together the better.”

Anthony Richards (Lake Macquarie)

“They’re the champs and they are coming good, so if this is going to be our grand final for the round one we are finishing with the best team in the comp. It’s certainly going to be a massive test for us to play against such a good side.”

“We like challenging ourselves and we would much rather play someone like Edgeworth than someone who is not in their position. It’s a good test for us and we want to try and see how we go against the good sides. We realise we don’t have the players they have got, but, we certainly love the challenge.”

Key: Will the Eagles be mentally ready after the midweek Cup match-up with Olympic?

source:sportstg.com

WELCOMED BOOST: Mariners youth player Sean Pratt, facing the camera, celebrates a goal for the Central Coast. Picture: Central Coast Mariners

HAMILTON Olympic will look to former Central Coast Mariners youth player Sean Pratt to make an immediate impact when they take on Edgeworth in the heavyweight clash of Wednesday night’s FFA Cup Northern NSW round five.

Olympic announced the signing of Pratt on Monday night and coach Michael Bolch said on Tuesday that the midfielder would play some part in the Cup clash at Darling Street Oval.

“He just bolsters our club,” Bolch said. “He’s an under-20s player so he’s outside the PPS and can play six or seven games before we bring him in.

“We’ve had Andrew Swan [hamstring] and Rhys Cooper [knee] injured and Leo Bertos has left, so we’ve got players out.

“He’ll probably play as a six or eight with us. He’s trained with us a couple of times and he’s tidy on the ball, he’s mobile and has a good work-rate.

“We need a bit of speed and mobility, and someone to make runs beyond the strikers. With Coops out, we haven’t been doing that enough.”

Bolch said Pratt, 18, was keen for a chance in the NNSW NPL and had been on the radar of “four or five clubs”.

Meanwhile, Bolch said Andrew Swan, who aggravated a hamstring injury playing off the bench against Edgeworth on April 22, was a chance to return for the Cup clash but Cooper was one or two weeks away. He said the likes of Peter McPherson, Matt Swan and Tommy Spencer could be rested ahead of the NPL game against Broadmeadow.

He added that Tyler Warren, who was players’ player in the 1-1 draw with Valentine and “did well on the weekend” in the 1-1 stalemate with Lake Macquarie, would remain in goals in place of Danny Ireland (illness).

Edgeworth coach Damian Zane said there would be no changes to his squad from the 1-0 win over Valentine on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Lake Macquarie hope to welcome back midfielder Justin Broadley from six weeks out with a broken toe for their clash with interdistrict side Cardiff City at Macquarie Field.

Steve Rospigliosi returns for the Roosters after missing their 1-1 draw with Hamilton on Sunday. Dean Holt and Josh Simmons will miss the match.

Rosebud coach Peter McGuinness was sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Paul Bitz, Mitch Hunter, Alex Read and Ryan Ensor for the clash with NPL leaders Lambton Jaffas at Adamstown Oval.

Maitland host Weston at Cooks Square Park and Broadmeadow play second-tier New Lambton at Alder Park in the other games. All matches start 7pm.

source:theherald.com.au

Olympic captain, Kyle Hodges

Outstanding goalkeeping by Lake Macquarie player Ben Kelly and some poor finishing by Olympic’s attack resulted in a 1-1 stalemate at Darling St Oval in round 10 of the NPL competition.

Olympic took control of the game from the outset in frosty cold conditions and looked as if it was only a matter of time before they would take the lead.

Kane Goodchild was put through with only the keeper to beat and despite Ben Kelly slipping and falling, he managed to fire his shot into the body of the Lake Macquarie goalkeeper!

A few moments later Scott Smith crossed from the left, the ball found Kane Goodchild who, with only the goalkeeper to beat, blasted his shot slightly wide.

In the first counter attack by Lake Macquarie, Blake Green receives a cross and has no problem firing into an empty net to put the visitors 1-0 up within the first 17 minutes.

Despite this setback Olympic continued to dominate possession and continued to press forward. A great corner struck by Scott Smith was curling into the far top corner when Ben Kelly floated into the air and tipped over for a corner.

Shortly before half time the Olympic faithful were on their feet when Kane Goodchild fired a shot which cannoned off the body of Ben Kelly, crashed onto the crossbar, came back into play and players of both teams scrambled for a shot at goal or a clearance!

Despite this, 0-1 remained and Olympic left the field for the half time break.

The domination of possession continued in the second half by the home team who were desperately seeking the equaliser and a Lake Macquarie team happy to be simply be behind the ball and look for counter-attacks.

A great cross by Tom Davies from the right finds the head of Kane Goodchild who, with only the keeper to beat, heads slightly over the crossbar.

Another cross finds Kane Goodchild who fires a great shot on target but on this occasion he is denied by a great save by Ben Kelly.

After a sustained attack by Olympic, the ball was cut back into the path of Grant Brown who riffled a long range shot from outside the box to bring the score back to 1-1 four minutes from normal time!

Olympic dominated possession throughout the game and had close to a dozen clear cut chances to score. In part, poor finishing and in part, an outstanding Ben Kelly is what contributed to both teams sharing the points.

Under 20s Olympic won 6-0
Under 18s Olympic won 2-1

NPL Youth
Olympic vs Lake Macquarie
Under 16s Olympic won 2-0
Under 15s Olympic won 4-3
Under 14s Olympic won 4-0
Under 13s Olympic won 4-0

Zone League 2
Merewether Advance FC vs Olympic
1st Grade Olympic won 2-0
2nd Grade Olympic won 4-0

NET results
Under 10s Olympic defeated Magic 7-1
Under 11s Olympic
Under 12s Olympic defeated Charlestown 6-1

Olympic Junior Results
Under 16a Olympic
Under 15a Olympic defeated by Kotara South 1-2
Under 13a Olympic defeated by New Lambton 2-3
Under 12b Olympic defeated Singleton 2-1

Under 9/1 Olympic defeated Kotara
Under 9/2 Olympic
Under 8/1 Olympic defeated Nelson Bay
Under 8/2 Olympic defeated Mayfield
Under 7/1 Olympic
Under 6/1 Olympic defeated by Maryland
Under 6/2 Olympic
Under 6/3 Olympic

source: Tom Tsamouras