Monthly Archives: August 2018

Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to qualify for the finals series but there are a lot of positives to take out of the season and we look forward to 2019!

Congratulations to both our U/18s & U/20s for both qualifying for the finals series! On a final note Hamilton Olympic have secured their 4th Club Championship in 5 years! Congratulations to everyone involved from the U/13s all the way to First Grade, just shows the superior club we are and we all look forward to 2019!

Thanks to all our sponsors & supporters, without you guy we wouldn’t be the club we are!

Under 20s Olympic won 7-0
Under 18s Olympic won 3-0

YOUTH NPL:

Hamilton Olympic vs Football Mid North Coast

U13s lost 1-0

U14s won 3-1

U15s won 3-2

U16s drew 2-2

Community Junior Semi Finals
Major Semi
U13A Olympic 6-3 Kahibah

Minor Semi
U16A Olympic 3-3 Maitland
Maitland won on pens

🏆 Olympic 13As Grand Final 🏆
Saturday 1st September
At Chapman Oval, Swansea

Source: Jim Pappas

Today’s wins in U20s and U18s have given Olympic their third NPL Northern NSW Club Championship in a row and 4th in 5 years.

Well done to all HOFC teams in the NPL from Under 13s to 1st Grade!!

source: Jim Pappas

Hamilton Olympic v Weston Bears

Saturday 18^th August, 6 pm at Darling Street Oval

Finals football is on the line, and all Hamilton can do is fight for the three points and hope they’re enough to see them sneak in.

For Weston, it’s their final game under Steve Piggott and thus a chance to send him out on a high note.

A late Kane Treble cameo pinched all three points for Hamilton last time out, Olympic running out 2-1 winners at Rockwell Automation Park back in May.

These last few weeks have been pressure-fuelled affairs for Hamilton, with nought but a win good enough to ensure they keep up with Maitland and give themselves a chance at finishing fourth.

Their slip-ups have been matched by Maitland, but there was no slip-up last weekend in their comprehensive 3-0 win over Magic on Sunday.

Practically back to full-strength and with it all to play for on Saturday night, Hamilton will go into this one as favourites. They won’t know until full-time whether a win will be enough, but it’s all they can fight for.

It was a story of the rear-guard last weekend, with both Weston’s goals coming from defensive men. Callum Bower and Jordan Jackson both scored, with Nathan Morris teeing the pair up from set-pieces.

That same rear-guard also let the three points slip, as Jets Youth fought back from two down at half-time to draw 2-2. It’s the third time they’ve lost this season after scoring first.

They’ll certainly look to avoid conceding first, as any side would. Weston more so – they’ve taken just three points after going behind in matches this season.

What the coaches said

Peter McGuinness (Hamilton)

“I’m sure Weston want to send Piggo out on a good note, I’m sure they’ll handle themselves quite well. It’s the last game of the year…they’ve had a couple of years with Steve, so I’m pretty sure they’ll give everything they’ve got.

“It’s always good, the Old Boys Day… I’m an old boy of the club, and I’m sure they’ll have a jolly good time, maybe a few lemonades or something. It always inspires you, when you’ve got the older crew that’s been around for a couple of years and you know they’ve been successful.

“I thought we were very good the week before [last] against Lambton, so I look at that, a good performance against Lambton where we never gave up…and then I look at what we did last week, they [Magic] really had no answer and I’m pretty chuffed with how we played.

“They executed how we wanted to play really really well, and I don’t see that changing. I don’t see our attitude towards the game change, this team that we’ve got at the moment is 19 games old, with all the new personnel, and we’ve really started to get going now. Hopefully, we sneak in [to the finals] because confidence is around the place… I expect a humdinger, to be honest.”

 U18s  Hamilton Olympic vs Weston kick off 2.15pm Sat 18 Aug Darling St Oval

 U20s  Hamilton Olympic vs Weston kick off 4.00pm Sat 18 Aug Darling St Oval

NPL  YOUTH

Hamilton Olympic vs Football Mid North Coast Sunday 19th Aug at Darling St Oval

u13s kick off at 10.am

u14s kick of at 11.30am

u15s kick off at 1.00pm

u16s kick of at 2.30pm

Maitland Magpies v Broadmeadow Magic

Saturday 18^th August, 6 pm at Cooks Square Park

Moved back to Saturday 6 pm, from it’s original Sunday 2:30 pm kickoff, this weekend’s Match of the Round will have huge implications for the top four.

Now at the same time as Hamilton’s do-or-die clash with Weston, this means that the sides in the top four will be decided by 8 pm Saturday night.

Maitland will know they can’t afford a result similar to the last one they got against Magic – a 0-0 drawback in Round 11.

The Magpies are on a fruitful run, of sorts. They haven’t lost in their last eight matches, but have won only three. It’s been enough to stave off Hamilton so far – but only a win this weekend will guarantee they play finals football.

Last weekend shaped as perhaps their biggest potential stumbling block, but Maitland navigated a poor Lambton outfit and Sean Pratt scored the winner in the 1-0 victory.

Maitland has only played one other evening match at Cooks Square Park this season, and that was against Weston back in round one. They won that one, but can they manage a win in this one?

One thing which may encourage them is the fact that Broadmeadow may have bigger fish to fry. On Magic’s mind will be their upcoming FFA Cup Round of 16 clash, against NPL Victoria outfit Bentleigh Greens on Tuesday night.

They may also rest players, the likes of Shane Paul and Luke Virgili, who are teetering on missing out on that clash should they pick up yellow cards this weekend. They were substituted early last weekend, in the disappointing 3-0 loss to Hamilton.

It was a match in which they looked to be missing the creativity of the likes of James Virgili and Mitch Oxborrow. With the latter set to appeal Oxborrow’s five-game ban, if overturned he could feature on Saturday night.

Lake Macquarie City v Lambton Jaffas

Saturday 18^th August, 2:30 pm at Macquarie Field

Guaranteed a spot in the finals, Lambton only needs a point this weekend to ensure they face Magic in the semi-finals.

Defeat opens them up to a slip to fourth – and such a win for Lakes would see them finish a respectable eighth on the ladder.

Nick Webb’s side scored first but were pipped to the post by Lambton last time the two sides met. The home side on that day, Jaffas, won 2-1.

Lakes met the league leaders and now premiers last weekend, and narrowly missed out on a point after Edgeworth rallied late and the old-guard helped down the Roosters 1-0.

With a potential eighth-place finish on the line, one lower than last season’s seventh, a win this weekend would see Lakes finish the season with six league wins under their belt.

The carrot for Lakes this weekend is a potential Golden Boot for Sam Walker, who has scored 15 of Lakes’ 33 goals this weekend. Just behind him are James Virgili and Kale Bradbury of Magic, both on 14, with a tough game at Maitland for them.

A finish in the top three seemed a sure thing for Lambton before last weekend, but the 1-0 defeat to Maitland has left them needing at least a point to secure their place.

Failure to get the job done this weekend could see Jaffas slip to fourth, should Maitland win, and that would set up a semi-final showdown with last year’s grand finalists Edgeworth.

It was nearly back to full-strength for Lambton last weekend, with Pat Brown and Bren Hammel the two biggest names to miss out. It’s a good time to have all the troops back on board, and they’ll need to get the job done this weekend.

What the coaches said

Nick Webb (Lakes)

“(I’d describe the season) are one of missed opportunities, we’ve played some extremely good football all year but some defensive lapses and times when we haven’t taken our chances have cost us dearly. When you look back at some games when we haven’t taken advantage of our dominance…we could have been up in the semi-final race.

“It’s really positive for next year. A lot of these guys, it’s their first season as an NPL player so we’re definitely going to be stronger. That doesn’t take away from the fact that this year could have been a massive stepping stone forward, but we’ll look forward to next season.

“Lambton are well-coached, well-structured, team. They’ve probably got the best roster in the competition, so no matter who they put on the paddock or who comes off the bench it’s 100% quality. We’re under no illusions that it’s going to be a tough match, but last time we played them at Lambton we outplayed them and we expect to do the same again.

“Sam Walker is one goal clear in the [Golden Boot race], he could have had one last weekend but there was an unbelievable save by Edgy keeper Josh [Low]…another twenty times and it would have gone in. He probably only needs one more goal to seal it, but there’s no pressure on Sam. We’d love to see him win the Golden Boot because he’s been outstanding.”

Newcastle Jets Youth v Charlestown City Blues

Saturday 18^th August, 2:30 pm at Lisle Carr Oval

All but assured of remaining in their places of fifth and sixth on the ladder, Jets Youth and Charlestown will play for little but pride this weekend.

One can only hope this encounter is as fiery as the last time these two sides met – a frustrated Charlestown went down 1-0 to a resilient Jets Youth back in round 11.

Some eyes at Charlestown on Saturday afternoon might be directed towards the younger grades. The under 16’s Jets Youth locked up the under 18’s premiership last weekend, and despite being in fourth place the under 18’s could still clinch the title in 20’s.

Those who pay close attention to the top grade though will have been happy with last weekend’s result, a come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Weston.

It’s a result made all the more remarkable considering the taxing schedule which they’d endured in the preceding fortnight. With almost a full week’s rest under their belts, expect a strong performance from the young Jets.

While still technically in the running for the finals, Charlestown would require both Maitland and Hamilton to lose and would need to overcome a goal difference of 17. A tall, and virtually impossible, task.

Fresh off the bye this weekend, it couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Blues after they might have looked to build some momentum after round 20’s 4-0 win over Valentine.

One thing Charlestown will have on their side this weekend is a good home record. In ten matches at Lisle Carr Oval, they’ve won six and boast the second highest points tally at home.

Valentine Phoenix v Edgeworth Eagles

Sunday 19^th August, 2:30 pm at CB Complex

With the premiership secured and celebrations had, this weekend will be a test run ahead of what’s sure to be a tough finals adventure for Edgeworth.

Things at the other end of the ladder are also tied up, and Valentine is doomed to finish last. Could they redeem themselves, just a little, this weekend?

It was a late Will Bower goal which secured Edgeworth a 1-0 win in an evening match-up at Jack McLaughlan Oval back in round 11, the last time these two sides met.

Nothing but a win would do last weekend if Valentine was to avoid the wooden spoon, but they weren’t able to manage three points and went down 3-2 to Adamstown.

That means no matter the result in the round’s only Sunday afternoon match, Valentine will finish bottom. On 11 points currently, it’d be the highest points total a side has finished bottom with since Lakes (12) back in 2014.

Of course, the big talking point last weekend was that shocking injury to Phoenix youngster Connor Motherway. Valentine assistant Sam Girffin believes his side was rattled by the dislocated knee, but they’ll have minds back on the job this Sunday.

This weekend could well be a last-hurrah for something of a club legend in Daniel McBreen. Set to miss the finals to allow him to travel with the Guam national team in a coaching capacity, the 41-year-old may soon decide enough is enough.

That’s not to say he doesn’t still have plenty to offer – just look at his 84^th-minute winner last weekend against Lakes to make sure the premiership stayed at Jack McLaughlan Oval for the fourth season in a row.

It’s an incredible feat, the first time a club has managed it since Highfields Azzurri back in 1991-95. Given they’ve already made the finals, expect some rotation among the Edgeworth ranks this weekend. Will Bower is back from injury and Jamie Byrnes into the starting line-up, but there are still question marks over Aaron Oppedisano.

What the coaches said

Damien Zane (Edgeworth)

“We’ll give guys a break that need it, but the team we put out I’ll expect to win. Pat Wheeler and Dom Bizzarri were given a week off, they’ve really been major parts in what we’ve done this year. Tyson [Jackson] and Adam Cawley, I’ll see whether I might bring them off the bench.

“It’s a chance, really, for a few guys to put their hand up and be part of the finals series, show me that they can do a job whether it be starting or off the bench. Dylan Burston is one that comes straight to mind, he’s been playing really well and deserves a bit of a crack. And Jose [Atayde] has shown he’s quickly become part of a group anyway, so he could be looking at game time in the finals series.

“We’ve played Valentine in the league and in the Cup and it’s been 1-0 both times, and both times they were tough matches. I’ve said it all year, it’s the big moments that have decided games. There hasn’t been a great deal separating top and bottom.

“I imagine they want to end the year on a high, so we’ll expect a tough match and we’ll be having a good crack.”

Adamstown has the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

HOFC wish our Senior keeper Daniel Eisenhaur all the very best in his exciting overseas “journey.”

Daniel was successful in gaining a sporting scholarship to the University of the District of Columbia in Washington and flew in to the USA capital last weekend. A Junior keeper with the club since the Under 14s, Daniel has been in outstanding form, and this year made his starting debut in 1st Grade this season against Charlestown. A great experience to advance both his academic and football skills!

Source: Jim Pappas

HOFC invite all Ex Players and Committee of the club to our last Home match of season against Weston.

NPL Northern NSW Round 22
Olympic vs Weston
Darling St Oval, Saturday 18 August
1st Grade kick off 6.00pm
Under 20s kick off 4.00pm
Under 18s kick off 2.15pm

Olympic currently sit 5th, one point off the top four. A win puts pressure on Maitland to get all 3 points against Broadmeadow. These two games will be played with the same kick off time.

So put your old blue polo or playing shirt on to gain free entry and we will give you a feed as well. We look forward to seeing the old faces at the game to reminisce about the good old days and to support the current Olympic team.

Source:Tom Tsamouras

Broadmeadow Magic 0 def. by Hamilton Olympic 3 (Pettit 5’, Broadley OG 12’, Bailey 74’)

Sunday 12^th August, 2:30pm at Magic Park

A win either way would have been huge for the makeup of the ladder come the end of the weekend, and indeed next weekend.

The chances of there being a winner were high, too. Since 2008, these two sides have drawn only three times in thirty meetings.

With it all to play for though, it was Hamilton who lifted. A dream start was followed by good football throughout, and they’re still in the race.

They struck in just the fifth minute, former Magic man Scott Pettit finishing off a chance at the back post which had been created by a missed interception from current Broadmeadow midfielder Shane Paul. Leo Bertos’ ball in was precise, and Pettit’s finish was a simple one.

Bertos played the provider just minutes later as Hamilton doubled their advantage. It was a precise free kick, and Broadley was adjudged to have handballed it and the referee pointed to the spot. After consulting with his linesman, the referee instead awarded a goal as the ball had crossed the line.

John Majurovski and Kale Bradbury nearly pulled a goal back from the resulting kick-off, and the game settled as Hamilton looked happy to sit a little deeper and let Broadmeadow have the ball but were able to prevent them from doing too much with it.

Olympic had the ball in the back of the net in the 38^th minute, but the linesman had his flag up.

Broadmeadow needed more in the second half, and they did start much better. Tyler Warren plucked the ball out of the air to prevent Luke Virgili from heading home in the 55^th minute, and Kale Bradbury had a penalty shout waved away two minutes later.

Bradbury and Majurovski combined once more in the 61^st minute and nearly set up a dream chance, but Majurovski’s touch let him down and Magic remained scoreless.

As the match wore on, Hamilton wrestled back control and looked like scoring a few more. Jarryd Sutherland proved just how exciting a talent he is in the 70^th minute, with a nice turn and a nutmeg to set up another chance for Scott Pettit.

Sutherland nearly had one for himself just a few minutes later, starting from deep inside the Magic half and forcing a big save from Paul Bitz. It proved for nothing from the resulting corner though, as it fell to Jacob Bailey at the back post and he tapped home to lock up the all-too important win for Hamilton.

U20s Broadmeadow Magic vs Hamilton Olympic 2-0

U18s Broadmeadow Magic vs Hamilton Olympic 1-1

Adamstown Rosebud 3 (Berlin 15’, Carias-Cox 45+24’, 68’) def. Valentine Phoenix 2 (Motherway 35’, Willard 89’)

Saturday 11^th August, 2:30pm at Adamstown Oval

Nothing but a win would do here for Valentine on Saturday as they fought their hardest to avoid last place.

In the end they weren’t able to find three points which have been so elusive this season, in a match which was overshadowed by a worrying knee injury to one Phoenix player.

Chris Berlin got things underway on the 15-minute mark, heading home his fourth goal of the season from a Finn Beasley cross to put the home side ahead.

Valentine pulled level just ten minutes from half-time though, when Connor Motherway pulled off a stunning chip from what looked an impossible position for his first goal of the season.

Motherway wasn’t given a chance to kick on from that outstanding goal however, as he went down after falling awkwardly just moments later. He writhed in pain and signalled immediately to the bench.

The match was delayed for more than half an hour as treatment was administered, and an ambulance arrived for Motherway. The club later revealed the youngster had suffered a dislocated knee, but wasn’t required to stay overnight at hospital.

After a lengthy delay, Adamstown wasted no time in grabbing a second goal against what could well have been a shell-shocked Phoenix outfit. It was Tom Carias-Cox who strove free of the Valentine defence, and finished well.

Carias-Cox grabbed a second goal in the 68^th minute of play with a spectacular finish, beating out Valentine defender Mele Temguia and acrobatically turning the ball home to give Adamstown a two-goal advantage.

Valentine did pinch one back however, Luke Willard poking home an unusual headed goal in the 89^th minute to give Valentine a sniff. They couldn’t grab the two goals needed to give themselves a shot of avoiding the spoon, and ensured it will head to CB Complex regardless of next weekend’s results.

“Did we do enough to win the game? Possibly not. But did we deserve to get beat? No, I don’t think so,” said Valentine assistant coach Sam Griffin.

“I don’t think there would be too many players from either team that would be particularly happy with the overall quality of the game, but Adamstown didn’t have to get the win so we’ve just got to accept it and move on.

“For long periods, there were times when we looked like Barcelona and there were times when we looked like Gresford Vacy Scorpions. We had plenty of chances, we had one disallowed for offside from a free-kick which would have given us 3-3 and you would have walked away thinking that was fair.”

The game was, of course, overshadowed by the horrific injury to Valentine youngster Connor Motherway which led to a lengthy delay.

“30 seconds after we restarted the game, we concede. You can’t blame the boys too much for that, they had other things on their mind at that moment,” said Griffin.

“He’s taken it a lot better than I would have and toughed it out. We did get confirmation that they had put it (his knee) back in and that he was on all the painkillers in the world and he was okay then.

“But it’s an unfortunate thing for the young kid, who’s just really starting to come good in first grade. He scored a terrific goal, and you don’t want to see it happen to anyone at any time.

“It was pretty gut-wrenching for everyone involved. I have to say, the physios from both sides were really good so I have to thank Adamstown. Emma, from our side, was terrific too.”

Lambton Jaffas 0 def. by Maitland Magpies 1 (Pratt 42’)

Saturday 11^th August, 2:30pm at Arthur Edden Oval

No matter the result here on Saturday, it was one which was going to have a big impact on the way the ladder looked at the end of the weekend.

It ended up as a surprise result – a Sean Pratt goal securing Maitland their first win in seven attempts this season against sides currently in the top four.

It was a goal which came at the back-end of the first-half, and it was almost all Alex Read’s doing. He ran with the ball from inside his own half, closer to his own 18-yard-box than halfway, and charged down the pitch.

An attempted pass out to Sean Pratt was headed back to him, so Read had a shot from some distance which had Brad Swancott at full stretch to deny him.

But Pratt was on hand to blast home all of Read’s good work, and put Maitland into the lead.

Braedyn Crowley went oh-so close to drawing Lambton level just ten minutes after half-time, but his shot went agonisingly just over the crossbar.

Maitland had a good chance in the 70^th minute when Brad Swancott couldn’t quite collect a Ryan Clarke shot on the first attempt, but smothered it before Sean Pratt could follow it up.

Nathan Verity rose for a header in the 74^th minute but it went just wide, as Lambton began to push in search of a late equaliser. An acrobatic effort from Ryan Griffiths just minutes later went wide.

Weston Workers 2 (Bower 24, Jackson 31’) drew Newcastle Jets Youth 2 (Cairelli 57’, Morris OG 89’)

Sunday 12^th August, 2:30pm at Rockwell Automation Park

Up two goals at half-time and cruising, no-one would have made too much of a fuss if Weston had gone on with it on Sunday.

Their opponents were, after all, coming into this one after a game less than five days previous. Before that, the Weifang Cup in China which had called on the young Jets to exert themselves.

Instead, showing a resilience which has perhaps eluded them a little in previous years, Newcastle lifted and fought back – an 89^th minute goal pinching them a point.

It was, of course, Weston who struck first with Callum Bower rising highest from the corner to head the Bears into the lead in the 24^th minute. Another set-piece paid dividends for Weston just minutes later, with Jordan Jackson on hand this time to prod the ball home from a Nathan Morris free-kick.

Jets Youth had one back just over ten minutes into the second half after Josh Cairelli finished from close range a nice Kent Harrison cross.

The fourth and final goal of this match was reminiscent of a pinball machine – the ball pinging around in the area, a Jack Simmons shot hitting the post and bouncing off the back of defender Nathan Morris before rolling slowly across the line and rescuing Jets Youth a point.

Edgeworth Eagles 1 def. Lake Macquarie City 0

Sunday 12^th August, 2:30pm at Jack McLaughlan Oval

So many coaches have bemoaned their team’s inability to play a full 90 minutes of football this season.

One man who hasn’t done so is Edgeworth boss Damien Zane. His side scored an 84^th minute goal to secure their fourth successive premiership – but in the end, a draw would have got them over the line.

Edgeworth was nearly ahead in the 10^th minute of play when Dom Bizzarri put his close-range effort just wide of the post. Lakes defender Corey Fletcher collected his goalkeeper, Stuart Plant, on the way through which prompted a short delay while he was seen to.

Dylan Holz flashed a chance wide in the 27^th minute and Tyson Jackson headed over just three minutes later as Edgeworth continued to probe for the goal which would secure them the premiership.

Plant made himself big shortly after half-time to deny Adam Cawley one-on-one, and Bailey Garland couldn’t manage to steer his own chance around the ‘keeper in the 56^th minute as Edgeworth continued the search for a goal.

It took until the 84^th minute for the breakthrough to finally come – and who else but Daniel McBreen? The benefactor of a looping cross from his former Central Coast Mariners teammate Josh Rose, McBreen headed home and celebrated the premiership in front of the Old Boys.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Broadmeadow Magic v Hamilton Olympic

Sunday 12^th August, 2:30pm at Magic Park

As if this wasn’t already one of the biggest rivalries in local football, on Sunday there will be so much riding on the result out at Magic Park.

Everything will depend on Saturday’s result between Lambton and Maitland, but a win could see Magic secure second place should Lambton lose.

The same result for Hamilton could see them jump into the top four, should Maitland lose. Make no doubt – this will be a fantastic spectacle.

It was no less spectacular the last time these two sides met, when Magic triumphed 4-2 in a six-goal thriller with both James Virgili and Kale Bradbury getting doubles.

Magic has spent a long time on the sidelines: excluding their Tuesday night 5-1 win over Newcastle Jets Youth, they hadn’t played since their FFA Cup victory against Canberra United back on July 25.

What Ruben Zadkovich will be hoping for is the desire from his men to carry over their good form of late into this weekend. Second place is up for grabs, potentially to be secured on Sunday.

That would more than likely set up a mammoth semi-finals showdown with Lambton. It looks likely it won’t be until then they welcome back main man James Virgili, who is struggling to overcome an injury he picked up in the FFA Cup win over Canberra.

Hamilton has been slowly getting their troops back to full fitness, and cameos from Jarryd Sutherland and Stuart Musalik are drawing Peter McGuinness closer to having a full contingent to pick from.

Jed Hornery could well make his return from injury this weekend also: he was on the bench in the stunning 1-1 draw with Lambton, but wasn’t risked by McGuinness as he hadn’t completed a full week of training.

The equation is simple for Hamilton, as it has been for a number of weeks. They need to keep winning to have any shot at the finals.

Either way, there will be goals in this one. Broadmeadow’s 44 goals and Hamilton’s 36 have them as the top two scoring teams in the division. With both desperate for victory, will they throw defence to the wind and simply go for it?

 U18s kick off at 10.45

U20s kick off  at 12.30

Adamstown Rosebud v Valentine Phoenix

Saturday 11^th August, 2:30pm at Adamstown Oval

It’s a battle of the cellar dwellers, and just who ends up there come the end of next weekend could be decided on Saturday.

All it’d take is a point for Adamstown to avoid bottom spot, and fresh off a solid performance last weekend, they might fancy themselves for even more.

The last time these two met, it was Adamstown who triumphed. A 2-1 win out at CB Complex, with Adamstown going down and coming back all in the opening 22 minutes.

Adamstown’s solid performance last week was cruelled by a 92^nd minute Adam Cawley goal, which condemned Rosebud to a 1-0 loss. They fought hard with a remarkably young side, but ultimately went down.

It means Adamstown has nearly gone through an entire round of matches without a win – their last came back in Round 10, against this weekend’s opponents, Valentine.

This is the last match of Adamstown’s season, as they have the bye next weekend and defeat would have them counting on things to go their way to avoid last place.

Whereas a point will do for Adamstown, nothing but a win will cut it for Valentine this weekend if they harbour ambitions of avoiding last place. They’re currently six points off 10^th place.

They didn’t do their hopes of avoiding the spoon any favours last weekend, going down 4-0 to Charlestown. They were helped by Edgeworth’s victory over Adamstown, which has kept them in the running.

It will be a battered Phoenix outfit this weekend. Scott Carter, Reece Pettit, Aaron Niyonkuru, Luke Willard are sure to miss out. Riley Russell and Chris Brown are in doubt, and Wilson Edwards is out with suspension.

What the coaches said

Darren Sills (Valentine)

“Both us and Adamstown are playing for pride and their boys are in the box seat. In our department we have eight out, we’ve got a shocking run of injuries at the moment but with that comes opportunity for some of our 20s to get a kick in first grade and for us to see where they’re at.

“At this stage, we’ll bring in our import Shinji Shozu. Probably young Mitchell Lawrence, a young lad who we’ve got a bit of time for. Possibly Dean Pettit, and maybe Jesse Feighan or Jordan Bower.

“We’ve won two games all year so we’re not confident about winning the game of football, we are confident in seeing what these guys can do and giving opportunity. The guys that have been there week in week out have tried hard and battled well, we’ve been right in it in a couple of games. Last weekend wasn’t really a 4-0 game… but at the moment we’re finding ways to not go on and win the game of football.

“We were very much second in the physical stakes against Charlestown, and unless we can match teams in physicality we will have trouble in this league. We’ve moved the ball around quite well but have trouble once we get to a certain part of the pitch. We’ll do the best we can this weekend, and if we win the game it gives us an opportunity against Edgeworth next weekend to avoid the spoon.”

Lambton Jaffas v Maitland Magpies

Saturday 11^th August, 2:30pm at Arthur Edden Oval

This is one of two matches this weekend who’s result will prove immensely crucial to the top four make-up. As such, it promises to be an absolute thriller.

Lambton need a win to keep their title hopes alive and three points would lock down a finish inside the top three.

Maitland could potentially maintain their place inside the top four with a loss, but will be desperate for a win to put all the more pressure on Hamilton on Sunday.

A Braedyn Crowley double proved the difference last time these two sides met, with Lambton triumphing 3-2 out at Cooks Square Park back in Round 10.

Jaffas went so close to victory last weekend but a 90^th minute Jarryd Sutherland strike denied them the three points. Instead, they were shared in the 1-1 draw with Hamilton.

Missing key players at various junctures of the season has been something of an issue for Lambton this season, but things might be on the up this weekend with the expected return of Jobe Wheelhouse and Joel Griffiths.

In third place on 34 points, they’re six points ahead of Maitland (28) with just two games to play. Any kind of result for Lambton this weekend guarantees them a spot in the top three, and a likely semi-final against Broadmeadow.

The end isn’t quite as clear for Maitland, who could still slip as low as sixth by the time the season is out. They need a win this weekend to have the best shot at avoiding such a fate.

Things could have looked much easier for the Magpies had they not conceded a late equaliser at home to Lakes last weekend which secured the visitors a 1-1 draw.

That ensured the margin between them in fourth, and Hamilton in sixth remained just one point after Olympic’s draw with Lambton. They may be on the hunt for more goals this weekend, a quest which may be supported by the expected return of speedstar Ryan Clarke.

Edgeworth Eagles v Lake Macquarie City

Sunday 12^th August, 2:30pm at Jack McLaughlan Oval

A single point is all it will take for Edgeworth to secure an incredible fourth successive premiership on Sunday afternoon.

What better place to do it than at Jack McLaughlan Oval? However, Lakes have nothing to lose and with the Golden Boot still on the line, will be sure to go for it.

Damien Zane will be hoping his side can edge out a win similar to the one they picked up back in Round 10 over Lakes – a 2-0 win at Macquarie Field.

A win this weekend would secure a premiership which almost no one thought possible at the beginning of the season. Having lost core players from the squad which had won the past three, most wrote them off for the top honour this season.

Instead, Edgeworth has proved everyone wrong. Last weekend they went one step closer with a 1-0 win over Adamstown which came in the final minutes of that clash.

One player who may make his return to first team action this week is Jamie Byrnes. He’s been sidelined with injury, but started and scored two in the under 20s 3-3 draw with Adamstown last weekend.

Six points and 18 goals clear of last place with two games to play, Lakes are guaranteed of avoiding the wooden spoon and that’s thanks to last weekend’s result.

The 1-1 draw with Maitland was a something of a rescue mission, with Mitchell Hunter’s header in the 87^th minute of play cancelling out a goal earlier in the second half.

With nothing to lose for Lakes this weekend, the likelihood of a free-flowing and entertaining performance from their end increases. There’s prize of delaying Edgeworth’s near-inevitable inauguration, and the potential for Sam Walker to tie up the Golden Boot.

What the coaches said:

Damien Zane (Edgeworth)

“We approach it like any other week. For us it’s Old Boys Day, and for them it’s always good to spoil the party. Our boys, week in week out, are ready to go so complacency won’t be an issue for us I’m sure. As far as respect goes, we have a lot [for Lakes]. They’ve been doing quite well, I’ve watched them closely and I’ve enjoyed the way they’ve played.

“It’s hard to disagree that Sam Walker is the main threat, look how many goals he’s scored. He’s a clever player, but I’ve been quite impressed with their whole attack. Tom Sparre has plenty of pace and is very effective, Paul Sichalwe has had a great season and I always thought he was a decent player, and Mitch Hunter I rate pretty highly.

“We’re pretty calm and we always have been, it’s a young team and they’re quite good under pressure. The only pressure we ever feel is our own expectation… they’ll be super keen to get it done and to get it done on Old Boys Day would be something special, but they know that just rocking up isn’t going to be good enough. I’m sure Lakes don’t want to be on the field while we’re celebrating a premiership.

“It will be a difficult job but we’re confident in the squad. Will Bower jolted his ankle last weekend so he’ll be out, and Aaron Oppedisano just strained his hamstring so he’ll miss out as well.”

Weston Bears v Newcastle Jets Youth

Sunday 12^th August, 2:30pm at Rockwell Automation Park

With just two weeks to go until the NPL Northern NSW season is over, Weston has already done better than they had in the last two seasons combined.

Whether they can stretch that record just that bit further, and do their bit to send Steve Piggott out in style, is the question this weekend.

It was Weston who had the better of the result last time these two met on a chilly Wednesday night out at Rockwell Automation Park – a 2-1 win back in Round 10.

The Bears had the bye last weekend, but before that went down 3-1 to Valentine. It was a disappointing result for Weston, who came into that one off the back of wins over Charlestown and Adamstown.

Currently sat in 8^th position on 19 points, they’ve earned more this season than the last two seasons combined (in 2017 they got 7, and in 2016 it was 6). Regardless of their results in the next two matches, this will be their best tally since 2015 when they managed 29.

One area where Weston may focus this weekend is scoring more goals, which is something they haven’t excelled at this season. They’ve scored 26, the third lowest output across the league. Jackson Burston leads their scorers with 7.

It’s been a tough few weeks for Jets Youth, who didn’t win a match against a number of quality opposition over at China’s Weifang Cup.

This was compounded on Tuesday night, when they were routed 5-1 by a ruthless Broadmeadow Magic outfit. Kent Harrison scored their solitary goal from the penalty spot.

Five points off fourth-place Maitland, realistically there’s little hope the Jets will upset that apple cart. A win this weekend would guarantee they finish seventh or higher.

What the coaches said:

Labi Hailiti (Jets Youth)

“Weston has shown all year that they’re a good side, they’ve got some experience and they’ve got an experienced coach who’s been around a while. Our last game against them was a tight one… which could have gone both ways, and we’re expecting a tough Sunday afternoon.

“It should be a good game. We’re coming towards the end of the season so we should be doing better, it will be an interesting game but I’m hoping that both teams will turn up and give a good display.

“We felt okay [after the Broadmeadow defeat], and it’s not an excuse it’s reality but we’d come back from China less than 24 hours before. To play the way we did in the first half, you can’t fault the players and it’s credit to them after being in China for ten days. In the second half it got away, but we’re proud of what the young boys achieved in China. The other night was tough, but they should be proud of what they’ve done.

“If you ask me would I rather us go to a tournament like that and give our boys some experience, I’d say I hope we can do it every time because the experience these boys gained over there, playing against some of the best talent will show you these kids are on the right path. At the moment everyone is fine, we’ll have a few days off but we’ll be fine by Sunday.”

Charlestown has the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Expressions of Interest Only

Hamilton Olympic FC Youth Trials 2019 Season

The club wishes to advise trial dates for the following age groups;

SAP U9’s Tuesday 14 August 2018 5pm

NET U11’s Wednesday 15 August 2018 5pm

NET U12’s Thursday 16 August 2018 5pm

U13’s Youth NPL Monday 17 September 2018 6pm

U16’s Youth NPL Monday 15 October 2018 6pm

U14’s Youth NPL Tuesday 16 October 2018 6pm

U15’s Youth NPL Wednesday 17 October 2018 6pm

All trials will be held at Darling St Oval

Trials are by invitation only.

Please complete the online Expression of Interest Form by using the following link; https://hamiltonolympic.com.au/c5/index.php/events/season-2019-eoi-youth

Your EOI must be received by 5pm 2 days prior to the trial date.

If accepted to trial, you will receive communication inviting you to trial.

For further details, contact the clubs registrar: Heath Stewart: registrar@hamiltonolympic.com.au or 0437776650.

Source: Tom Tsamouras

Hamilton Olympic 1 (Sutherland 90’) drew Lambton Jaffas 1 (Kantarovski 28’)

Sunday 5^th August, 2:30 pm at Darling Street Oval

A goal just moments from the end of normal time, from a man off the bench making his return from injury, may have just kept Hamilton’s season alive.

Although they’ve slipped down a place on the ladder, Olympic is still in it after Jarryd Sutherland’s magnificent 90^th-minute strike rescued them one of the most valuable points of their season.

Michael Kantarovski opened the scoring after he won a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Braedyn Crowley whipped the ball in, and Kantarovski nodded it on to give the visitors the advantage.

Crowley almost made it a second just minutes later, but his shot dribbled agonisingly wide of the post. Blake Green almost levelled things up at the other end shortly after, but a fantastic double save from Brad Swancott kept Lambton in front.

It was chance-a-minute stuff, with Crowley unable to beat Tyler Warren from almost six yards out and then firing a shot high and wide after being fed by Ben Hay.

Jarryd Sutherland thought he might have had a penalty in the 70^th minute when he came together with Ridge Mapu in the box but the referee didn’t agree – the Hamilton youngster was shown a yellow card for simulation.

Sutherland had what looked a stronger shout for a penalty waved away again as the match wound down but in the 90^th minute, the youngster had the last laugh.

He seized on Liam O’Dell’s mistake at the back, weaved a wavy path from halfway to the opposition 18-yard-box, and finished superbly to ensure the points were shared.

Olympic coach Peter McGuinness was pleased with the way his side played.

“Performance-wise, really happy. We worked hard without the ball and were quite good with it, created a few chances,” said McGuinness.

“They [Lambton] created chances of their own, and it was a pretty high-standard game.

“Like I said last week, we can only do what we can do. It was good that the result on the other side of the coin [Lakes 1-1 draw with Maitland] went our way, and our goal was one I think we deserved.

“We had the lions share of possession in the second half, they were hard to break down and I think we deserved an equaliser.”

With a number of players who had to fight to be fit this weekend, it will be welcome news to Hamilton fans that there’s no bad news on the injury front.

“Jarryd [Sutherland] is still working his way back to full fitness but he’s okay, Jed [Hornery] was on the bench but I didn’t use him because he hasn’t completed a full week of training yet, and Stuey [Musalik] is still working his way back to full fitness,” said McGuinness.

“Everybody is doing okay; we didn’t pick up any knocks out of the game which is good.”

The result saw Hamilton slip to sixth on the ladder, but still just one point off Maitland. Things are out of their hands, and they simply must win if they’re any hope of clawing into the top four.

“If yesterday is anything to go by, I think if we start playing games with the intensity we had in the first half, we can compete with every team in this competition whether they sit at the top or the bottom.”

U20s  Hamilton Olympic  – Lambton Jaffas  2-0

U18s Hamilton Olympic  – Lambton Jaffas  1-0

 NPL Youth
Olympic vs Valentine
Under 16s Olympic won 3-0
Under 15s Olympic won 1-0
Under 14s Olympic won 1-0
Under 13s Olympic won 3-0

Community Juniors
Under 16A Olympic 0-4 Kotara
Under 14A Olympic 12-0 Rutherford
Under 12A Olympic 0-4 Adamstown

Maitland Magpies 1 (Swan 48’) drew Lake Macquarie City 1 (Hunter 87’)

Sunday 5^th August, 2:30 pm at Cooks Square Park

So often this season, Lake Macquarie has come undone thanks to a late goal or a lapse in concentration which has seen them surrender points in the most frustrating of fashions.

On Sunday, three games from calling full-time on 2018, they snagged a late equaliser of their own to virtually guarantee they’ll avoid bottom spot – and have a huge impact on the race to the top four.

Andrew Swan had a good chance to open the scoring in the first half but fired his shot from close range well over the bar in what was perhaps the half’s big chance.

He more than made up for it shortly after the break though, heading home a Matt Thompson corner to give the home side the advantage in the 48^th minute.

A looping header just minutes from full-time earned Lakes a hard-fought point though.

An incredible long-ball from the backline was met by the head of Mitch Hunter, and Matt Trott could do little but watch it go over his head and into the back of the net.

With Hamilton’s point at home and Charlestown’s three at Valentine, it means there is now just one point between Maitland in fourth and Hamilton in sixth. If Newcastle Jets Youth wins on Tuesday night, there’ll be two points between fourth and seventh.

For Lakes, that win means they’re now six points off last place Valentine and 18 goals better off. They play the top two, Edgeworth and Lambton, in the final two rounds.

Valentine Phoenix 0 def. by Charlestown City Blues 4 (Goodchild 33’, 66’, 84’, Lewis 88’)

Sunday 5^th August, 2:30 pm at CB Complex

It’s been a long season for Kane Goodchild after the 2017 Golden Boot winner spent so long on the sideline with an injury.

Some of that torment may have just been forgotten this Sunday when he scored a brilliant hat-trick to keep Charlestown’s finals hopes alive.

His first was a tricky yet confident finish, chipping it over an onrushing Perry Budden before finishing into an empty net in the 33^rd minute to give Charlestown the half-time lead.

Valentine thought the had a penalty in the 44^th minute when Tom Motherway was brought down, but it was ruled by the officials to have happened just outside the box. Josh Carroll’s free-kick went straight into the defensive wall.

Goodchild’s second wasn’t as pretty as his first, but it was all the more decisive. Twenty minutes after the resumption of the second half, Budden failed to deal with a ball in and knocked it straight at Goodchild’s feet.

Not the kind of player to make a mistake from that close in front, the Charlestown striker buried his chance and doubled the Blues’ advantage.

Joel Wood almost had a chance shortly after Goodchild’s second to get Valentine back into the lead, but his touch let him down.

To put the icing on the cake for his day though, was Goodchild. In the 84^th minute, he seized on a long ball from captain Matt Tull and put a chip over Budden. Rather than chasing this one down though, he watched it bounce once and into the top of the net to complete his hat-trick.

It was a former Valentine man who helped set up the fourth and final of Charlestown’s goals. Rene Ferguson’s ball over the top found Aden Gardner, who looked set to shoot himself. Instead, he squared to Cal Lewis who fired home.

Charlestown coach David Tanchesvki was pleased with his side seeing out the full ninety minutes.

“The performance from the boys was good, we were a bit worried in the middle of the game with some tired legs out there,” said Tanchevski.

“It helped having guys out there like Matt Tull and Pete McPherson back in the side after having a rest, and I thought we come home a lot stronger than what I expected.

“It was good [to see Goodchild get a hat-trick], he works really hard and we were disappointed for him with the injury he got earlier in the season. He worked really hard in the off-season to get fit and it’s probably the fittest I’d seen him at the start of the year.

“We’ve lacked scoring goals this season, we haven’t scored as many as we’d have liked, not having him has been a big contributor to that. Watching that match shows what he can do, he’s not back at full fitness yet… but he’s still one of the most dangerous strikers in the comp.”

It’s a win which moves them up to fifth on the ladder, equal on points with Maitland in fourth but with the bye next weekend. Tanchevski believes it’s come at a welcome, if not unfortunate, time.

“We’re looking forward to the bye, we’ve played so many games recently and we’ve still got a few injuries there so we’re really looking forward to the game off,” said Tanchevski.

“I don’t know if we’ll travel to any of the games [next weekend] but we’ll be interested in results. We’ll focus on ourselves which is what we’ve done all year, but the results are out of our hands.

“If they go our way we could go into the final week fighting for a semi-finals spot, but it certainly could be over this weekend depending on results.

“The Magic-Olympic and the Jaffas-Maitland game are the two results which matter to us, so we’ll keep an eye on them and hope they go in our favour.”

Adamstown Rosebud 0 def. by Edgeworth Eagles 1 (Cawley 90+2’)

Sunday 5^th August, 2:30 pm at Adamstown Oval

Late goals were the flavour of the round, and things were no different at Adamstown Oval.

Five minutes from time, it looked like the race for the premiership may have been wide open with Edgeworth locked at 0-0 with Adamstown and Lambton ahead at Hamilton.

What five minutes it was, though. Hamilton denying Lambton all three points, and Adam Cawley stepping up to score an incredibly important goal which all but keeps the premiership in Edgeworth’s hands.

The Eagles almost opened the scoring in the 54^th minute when Josh Rose let off a shot from some way out, but an Adamstown touch sent it out for a corner. Dominic Fox made a good save in the 68^th minute to deny Bailey Garland.

Adamstown had a good chance in the 72^nd minute after Finn Beasley found Nicholas Wright on the edge of the area, but he wasn’t able to get his shot as accurate as he’d have liked.

Daniel McBreen and Bailey Garland both had good chances as the match began to draw to a close, but neither was able to break the deadlock as Edgeworth had all the chances.

In the end, it took a loose ball inside the box to separate the two teams. Adam Cawley was fastest, seizing on it, and finishing to spark delirium at Adamstown.

It’s a result which puts Edgeworth six points clear at the top, with just two games left to play. With those matches against Lakes (9^th) and Valentine (11^th), it looks like the Eagles have locked up their fourth successive premiership.

Broadmeadow Magic v Newcastle Jets Youth will take place on Tuesday 8th August.

Weston had the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Hamilton Olympic v Lambton Jaffas

Sunday 5^th August, 2:30 pm at Darling Street Oval

This weekend’s match of the round has the potential to more than live up to the billing as so much hinges on the result.

An Olympic win could send the premiership to Edgeworth, and keep Hamilton’s own finals hopes alive.

Should Lambton triumph, they’ll keep their premiership hopes alive and deal a cruel blow to Olympic’s finals ambitions.

This weekend’s home side will be looking to do the double over Lambton this season, following their 2-1 win at Arthur Edden Oval back in Round 9.

Last weekend, Hamilton scraped by with a 3-2 win over a Lakes side which very well could have taken all three points themselves. Only a Jacob Bailey goal, five minutes from time, sealed the victory.

Olympic’s finals destiny is out of their hands. Sat a point behind Maitland, in fourth, and trailing the Magpies by nine goals Hamilton are relying on Lakes to get the job done this weekend.

While most sides in the competition have had injury woes to contend with at one time or another this season, Hamilton’s worries are coming at perhaps the worst time. The likes of Reece Papas, Scott Pettit, Kyle Hodges, Tom Stewart and Jarryd Sutherland are among those with question marks over their heads.

Four wins on the trot for Lambton has seen them jump above Broadmeadow into second place, and now Jaffas are the only side with any real chance of knocking the Eagles off their perch.

With four points separating the pair and just three games to go, it does, however, look an unlikely outcome. Lambton will come into this clash fresh: their last game was last Tuesday, a 3-0 win over Jets Youth.

That match demonstrated Lambton’s ability to pick up goals from players all over the park, with Michael Kantarovski and Marcus Duncan among the scorers. With 33 in the league this season, they have the lowest output of teams inside the top five.

What the coaches said:

Peter McGuinness (Hamilton)

“I think we have to improve in a lot of areas, [last weekend against Lakes] we found a lot of guts and determination to get over the line. We didn’t execute very well, we limped through that game… we need to be better at both ends of the pitch.

“We’ve got a number of players in the squad at the moment carrying injuries, [and] I won’t know yet. There are guys who have to get through the week with what little training we can give them; we’ve got a few boys carrying injuries.

“Lambton are a good side, they have a good level of footballer’s in their team in all areas. I’d expect a pretty disciplined, well-structured team and I don’t expect anything else.”

U18s  Hamilton Olympic – Lambton Jaffas kick off at 10.45 on Sunday 5 Aug at Darling St

U20s  Hamilton Olympic – Lambton Jaffas kick off at 12.30 on Sunday 5 Aug at Darling St

NPL YOUTH

Round 22: Hamilton Olympic vs Valentine FC Saturday 4^th August 2018 at Darling St Oval

U13s kick off at 10.00am

U14s kick off  at 11.40am

U15s kick off at  1.00pm

U16s kick off at  2:30pm

Maitland Magpies v Lake Macquarie City

Sunday 5^th August, 2:30 pm at Cooks Square Park

Out of the running for finals, Lakes have proved time and time again this season that they have the potential to disrupt the race from the other end of the ladder.

Looking to quell that potential this weekend are the Magpies, who sit inside the top four but with just a one-point buffer between them and the chasing Hamilton in fifth.

Maitland worked hard for victory last time out against Lake Macquarie but eventually did the job in a 2-0 win back in round nine of the league. This will be their third encounter this season: Lakes won 2-0 in their FFA Cup round four clash.

It was a case of ‘what if?’ for Maitland last weekend against Edgeworth, who went oh-so-close to finding their first win over the reigning premiers in the top flight for more than 20 years.

The 1-1 match was a thrilling one, which saw Maitland miss a penalty and score another. A superb midfield display from the Swan brothers and Carl Thornton will likely be added to this weekend, with Matt Thompson edging closer to a return to full fitness. He came off the bench late last Sunday.

Maitland’s finals destiny is in their own hands. With three games remaining, they’re one point and nine goals in front of Hamilton, who pose as the real threat for a spot in the finals. A win here is a must.

Lapses of concentration at the back and misfires at the front have been the story of Lakes’ season, and despite playing good football, for the most part, has them sat way down in tenth.

Last weekend was no different – a mountain of chances could have secured a shock and potentially season-defining win over Hamilton, but it wasn’t to be as Nick Webb’s side went down 3-2.

The focus for the back end of the season has been trying to finish as high as possible, but the Roosters could also be looking over their shoulders. Valentine could close the gap between 10^th and 11^th to two points should they beat Charlestown, and Lakes lose on Sunday.

What the coaches said:

Nick Webb (Lakes)

“We had 17 clear chances to score goals last week and they [Hamilton] had four chances and scored three goals. We have to be better in our defence structure when under pressure, and finish more. Very disappointed about last weekend, we dominated the match and should have been four or five up by half-time.

“Maitland are starting to get a few players back, I’m expecting Matt Thompson to play, maybe Ryan [Clarke] to play or at least come off the bench so they’ll be strong. They’re building to become one of the few clubs which is strong through all grades, so it’s going to be tough for us in all grades, be on our game and take our chances when they come.

“The Swan brothers did super well, and obviously Carl did as well [last weekend against Edgeworth] but one of our strengths this year has been our midfield. We’ve matched it with every team, I believe, in the competition. We just have to make sure we’re disciplined in our positioning, we’ll change our shape a little bit this week to try and give us a little more strength through the middle of the park.

“Campbell Ross has a slight tear to his calf, so we’ll give him until Sunday morning and do a fitness test. Other than that, it’s as usual.”

Valentine Phoenix v Charlestown City Blues

Sunday 5^th August, 2:30 pm at CB Complex

Weary after a near-days road trip south and defeat to Heidelberg United in the FFA Cup Round of 32, nothing but a win will do for Charlestown on Sunday.

Their finals hopes hinge on it – but Valentine requires a win in order to have a chance of avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon.

It was tricky but Charlestown got the job done the last time these two sides met, securing a 2-0 win back in round nine this year.

Just two wins for Valentine this season but five draws have them five points adrift at the bottom, but victory over Charlestown could see them close that gap to just two points.

One of those two wins came last Sunday when Valentine did the double over Weston with a 3-1 victory away at Rockwell Automation Park. A Joel Wood hat-trick did the trick for Phoenix.

With Adamstown, next weekend and Edgeworth the following weekend, Valentine has just three games to avoid a fate to which they’ve looked destined for much of the season. Expect them to be well up for things this weekend.

Charlestown has fallen victim to many packed schedules this year as washouts have disrupted their season to no end, but it’s not wet weather which makes this Sunday’s match their third in seven days.

It was last night’s FFA Cup clash with Heidelberg United which has made that so. It was the club’s inaugural appearance in the Round of 32, and one in which they went down 2-1.

It followed last weekend’s 4-1 win over Adamstown which has them two points from the top four, but with just two games to play in the final three rounds. They’ll welcome Peter McPherson (unavailable) and captain Matt Tull (suspension) back to the side which lost to Heidelberg for this weekend’s fixture.

What the coaches said:
David Tanchevski (Charlestown)

“The boys are pretty sore after last night [against Heidelberg], it was high tempo and a physical match. We’ll get back tonight [Thursday], do a recovery session and prepare for the weekend. It was a good experience, the boys showed a lot of character after going behind in the first minute to an own goal.

“We got a goal late and made a game of it, forced Heidelberg into wasting time, so credit to the boys to get a team like Heidelberg on the back foot a bit. It’s an excellent achievement.

“We’ve seen a lot of teams in the top four drop points to the teams in the bottom four this year, Adamstown have taken points off Edgeworth and Jaffas, Valentine have taken points off Jaffas and Maitland as well. Every game is tricky, Valentine at Valentine is never easy, and it’s do-or-die for us.

“If the boys can play with the same intensity at the weekend as they did last night, then we’ll be able to get a result hopefully. We said to make the finals we need to win our next three, our assignment now is to beat Valentine this weekend and we know that if we don’t win then it’s finals over for us. If we do, it’s still out of our hands.”

Adamstown Rosebud v Edgeworth Eagles

Sunday 5^th August, 2:30 pm at Adamstown Oval

What bigger motivation could a football team have than potentially clinching the premiership, three weeks out from the end of the home and away season?

A fourth consecutive title awaits Edgeworth, who will do their best to hold up their end of the bargain at Adamstown on Sunday.

Shock result is an apt description for the last time these two sides met, with Adamstown stringing their third win in a row together when they beat Edgeworth 1-0 back in Round 9.

Things are rather different this time around though, with Rosebud coming into this clash without a win in the league since they beat Valentine back in Round 10.

Since then, Adamstown has picked up just three points courtesy of three draws along the way. None of those came last weekend when Charlestown stormed home to a 4-1 win over Rosebud.

It’s unlikely, but Adamstown could finish the season in last place should they lose on Sunday. Six points separate them in ninth, and Valentine in last.

What is remarkably more likely, and remarkable it would be, is Edgeworth finishing on top of the NPL Northern NSW ladder for the fourth consecutive season in a year where they weren’t really fancied.

There are four points separating them in first and Lambton in second, but if everything falls Edgeworth’s way then they could streak out to an insurmountable seven-point lead with two games to play.

Edgeworth are in good form, without defeat in the league since their last clash with Adamstown back in May. Last weekend seen them share the points with Maitland in a pulsating 1-1 draw.

Broadmeadow Magic v Newcastle Jets Youth

Tuesday 7^th August, 7pm at Magic Park

Tuesday evening’s fixture falls at the same time as the senior Newcastle Jets take on Gold Coast Knights in the FFA Cup, with this one pushed back to accommodate for the Youth’s adventures in China.

By the time these two sides meet it will have been almost two weeks since Magic have taken to the pitch, and a win on Tuesday would wrap up a finals place.

There were plenty of goals the last time these two sides met, with Broadmeadow triumphing 4-2 thanks to a pair of Mitch Oxborrow goals back in Round 9.

Oxborrow is one player who Magic will be without on Tuesday evening after a ban was passed down during the week for an incident in Magic’s draw against Adamstown back in Round 17.

He could miss up until the NPL Northern NSW Grand Final, should Magic make it that far, and there’s a fair chance he’ll miss out on Broadmeadow’s inaugural appearance in the FFA Cup Round of 16.

They got there with a 4-1 win over NPL Capital club Canberra Olympic last Wednesday night. Prior to their bye in the league last weekend, Broadmeadow beat Valentine 5-0 in Round 18.

While Broadmeadow has had almost two weeks to put their feet up and recover, Jets Youth have had no such luxury after travelling to a sweltering China to play the Weifang Cup.

They’re conditions which got the better of Keiran Hayes, who was taken to hospital for heat exhaustion in the Jets Youth loss to Argentinian club Boca Junoirs earlier in the week. They’ve also gone down in matches to the Chinese Under 19s and Shandong Leung.

Just how Jets Youth can recover and adapt their game back to the physical nature of the NPL, after playing a more technical style against youth teams, could be the decider in this one.

Weston has the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au