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Hamilton Olympic FC are proud to announce the club’s inaugural Sportsman’s Luncheon on Friday, 24^th August, 2018 at The Premier Hotel.

The event will feature special guests Newcastle Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna, Newcastle Jets & 2x Hyundai A-League Championship winning coach Ernie Merrick, and Newcastle Jets star Jason Hoffman, who will exclusively discuss all the ins and outs of the Newcastle Jets just weeks before the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League season is set to begin.

The day will be hosted by NBN’s Mitchell Hughes and include auctions and raffles.

Hamilton Olympic FC Secretary Con Gounis says it’s an event not to be missed.

“After the wonderful year that the Newcastle Jets had in season 2017/18, the inaugural Sportsman’s Lunceon is a fantastic chance to hear what Head Coach Ernie Merrick has in place for the upcoming 2018/19 A- League season,” Gounis said.

“Ex-Hamilton Olympic Junior Jason Hoffman, will no doubt have some experiences he will share of his junior days with the club, so come along to the Hamilton Olympic FC Sportsman’s Luncheon. A great day is assured!”

Tickets are just $110 each, or $1000 for a table of ten which includes a two (2) course luncheon and four (4) hour drink package.

Please contact Con at secretary@hamiltonolympic.com.au or phone 0423221352 or 4962 3236 for tickets or enquiries. RSVP by August 17th.

Source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Hamilton Olympic 0 drew with Maitland Magpies 0

Sunday 22^nd July, 2:30pm at Darling Street Oval

A win for either side would have gone a long way to securing a top four finish but instead, no goals were able to be scored in what was a tense, tied battle that saw defence reign supreme in Michael Bolche’s return to Darling St. Oval.

Both sides were missing some key men as Hamilton’s Simon Mooney and Jed Hornery, as well as Maitland’s Matt Thompson, Matt Comerford and Ryan Clarke, were all out for this fixture and it seemed to be the offence that was lacking in the early parts.

Neither side were able to gain the momentum and win the battle in the midfield with both looking nervous and cagey to press too far forward.

The first major moment in the game came from an Olympic corner in the 30^th minute. The ball was crossed into the box and after being cleared out from the Maitland defence, the referee stopped play and it looked as though a penalty was about to be awarded, however, after a quick discussion with his linesman, the play was waved away.

Minutes later, Hamilton went close to breaking the deadlock when a Leo Bertos cross found a flicked header from Jacob Bailey onto Scott Petit’s head who’s shot smacked into the crossbar and out for a goalkick.

Maitland had a golden chance to score just before half time, but Tom Duggan’s shot sailed over the crossbar and didn’t trouble Daniel Eisenhauer in goals.

However, one moment that did worry Hamilton’s man between in the sticks was early in the second half when he was caught out after being beaten by Magpies’ veteran Andrew Swan, who then cut the ball across the goal looking for a teammate. It beat Tom Duggan’s foot, but fell for Louis Townsend but his shot was blocked by an incoming defender.

With minutes to go in the match, Olympic looked set to take the lead when a brilliant run from Jarryd Sutherland saw a cut-back land in front of goal for stalward Rhys Cooper, but his shot was saved by Matt Trott, and it proved to be the last opportunity for either side in the match.

Hamilton Olympic coach Pete McGuinness praised his side for their ability to play at a high level despite the large amount of games they’ve played in recent weeks.

“I felt the boys gave a massive effort after a very busy couple of weeks,” McGuinness said.

“We created a few really good opportunities to score but just couldn’t convert those chances.

“The game was very stop-start and didn’t really have a flow to it which suited them [Maitland].

“It was a clean sheet though so that’s something to take into next week.”

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

NPL Youth
Olympic vs Maitland
Under 16s Olympic won 5-1
Under 15s Olympic won 7-0
Under 14s Olympic won 4-0
Under 13s Olympic won 7-0

Community Juniors
Under 16s Olympic won 5-4
Under 13s Olympic 4-0   Valentine                                                                          Under 12s Olympic 0-2 Charlestown

Lake Macquarie City Roosters 3 (Sam Walker 39’, 45’, Mitch Hunter 80’) def. by Newcastle Jets Youth 4 (Cai Tipaldo 2’, Yerasimakis Petratos 18’ PEN, 56’, Josh Cairelli 82’)

Saturday 21^st July, 2:30pm at Macquarie Field

Despite being unable to feature in the Northern NSW NPL finals, the Newcastle Jets Youth side have continued to find successful results, this time over Lake Macquarie in a high-scoring, offensive affair.

The young Jets started the game well quickly and it took less than two minutes for them to find a way past the Roosters’ defence when Cai Tipaldo latched onto a low-crossed ball to blast it past Stuart Plant in goals.

Jets Youth continued to find their way into the home side’s box and after being brought down and awarded a penalty, Yerasimakis Petratos made no mistakes from the spot, doubling his team’s lead in the process.

However, as he so often does for Lakes, captain Sam Walker stepped up nabbing two goals in quick succession with minutes remaining in the first half to equalise the score-line as the two sides headed into the sheds.

As it was in the first half, the Jets Youth side continued to lob on the pressure, and some slick footwork from Petratos saw him grab a second midway through the half.

Lake Macquarie’s Mitch Hunter found an equaliser with a chipped-volley effort, but it was short lived as Jets substitute Josh Cairelli popped up just minutes later to slot home a one-on-one goal to give his side a late victory.

Lake Macquarie coach Nick Webb stated he was disappointed with his team’s defence.

“Our team created numerous opportunities again and the score could have been 9-all,” Webb said.

“But we have to be better at our defensive structure.”

Valentine Phoenix 0 def. by Broadmeadow Magic 5 (Kale Bradbury 24’, 27’, James Virgili 45+2’, 90+2’, Josh Piddington 60’)

Sunday 22^nd July, 2:30pm at CB Complex

It’s been eight years since Valentine conjured a victory against Broadmeadow and that trend is set to continue following a terrible home-loss at the hands of the Magicians that now sits them on the verge of winning the dreaded wooden spoon.

Magic’s wide men Kale Bradbery and James Virgili are two names that have featured multiple times in the NNSW NPL Team of the Week, as well as sitting near atop of the Golden Boot tally, and they were both the stars once again as they both grabbed impressive doubles.

Bradbery’s two goals came early in the first half – the first coming from close-range after some great wing-work by James Virgili, and the second followed a one-on-one effort just minutes after his first.

Broadmeadow kept the pressure on the cellar dwellers and were able to find another on the stroke of half-time through James Virgili, who found himself in behind the defence after a terrific ball from his fellow winger Bradbery.

The second half opened in similar fashion to the first with Magic controlling the tempo, and it seemed a fourth goal was destined to take place when Bradbery jumped onto a Phoenix defensive error however, some last-ditched defending from Valentine youngster Wilson Edwards kept them at bay momentarily.

Minutes later, a Broadmeadow free-kick taken from near the sideline was whipped onto the back post by Matthew Hoole and after an initial touch from Valentine keeper Perry Budden, fell for the visiting captain Josh Piddington, who slotted it easily.

Valentine’s awful day was capped off when James Virgili knocked home his second right at the death to sound off a 5-0 drubbing.

The victory now sees Broadmeadow move into second place ahead of Lambton Jaffas however, they have their bye next weekend, while Valentine remain stuck to the bottom of the table, eight points away Lake Macquarie City.

Adamstown Rosebud 1 (Fin Beasley 87’ PEN) def. by Weston Bears 2 (Chris Hurley 2’, Nathan Morris 18’ PEN) 

Sunday 22^nd July, 2:30pm at Adamstown Oval

Both Adamstown and Weston entered this match needing a victory for any thread of a chance to play in the finals series, however, it was the visiting Bears who held on for the win, extending the Rosebud’s winless streak to eight weeks.

It took just over sixty seconds for Weston to take the lead as a nicely worked play down the right edge resulted in Chris Hurley banging the ball in from outside the box to open the scoring in style.

It was only fifteen minutes later when Weston received another golden opportunity to score after Jackson Burston’s header was ruled to have been illegally redirected from an Adamstown defender’s hand.

Club veteran Nathan Morris stepped up to the spot, and coolly knocked it past Domonic Fox in goals to double the Bears’ lead, and matters only seem to worsen from there for the hosts.

Despite winning the throw-in following a strong battle with Hurley, Adamstown’s Robbie Turnbull was shown a straight red card after the referee deemed Turnbull to have deliberately fallen on top of Hurley, leaving his team to play the remaining 70 minutes with a man down.

The Rosebuds continued to push on looking to work their way back into the contest, and late on they received a penalty of their own that was knocked home by in-form man Fin Beasley.

Despite a late burst of resurgence, Adamstown were unable to find an equalising goal, and Weston took all three points.

Adamstown coach Shane Cansdell-Sheriff said he was pleased with how his team continued to press on despite being a man down for much of the match.

“The attitude and determination the boys showed to stand up and fight in the second half was incredible given the lack of experience amongst our team,” Cansdell-Sheriff said.

“We dominated the second half and even scored a goal despite the player down.

“The character our team is showing week in, week out, despite all the barriers being thrown in front us, is fantastic.

“I look forward to the day when the tide changes because we will hurt teams.”

Charlestown City Blues 0 def. by Edgeworth Eagles 2 (Own Goal 8’, Daniel McBreen 66’)

Sunday 22^nd July, 2:30pm at Lisle Carr Oval

Edgeworth have taken one step closer to an incredible fourth consecutive premiership after defeating Charlestown City away from home in quite convincing fashion.

Charlestown headed into this match having only won one match from their past seven outings, as well as having conceded 16 goals from those games and as a result, their spot in the finals is certainly at risk. Anything but a victory would be a failure for the Blues, and with the way the contest began, they would be facing an uphill battle.

A free-kick to the Eagles saw in-form midfielder Adam Cawley lob the ball into the box, finding the head of a Charlestown defender who agonisingly tucked it away inside the right upright to gift the first goal for the league-leaders.

In response, Charlestown looked to kick up a gear and their focus was to get balls into the box to challenge the Edgeworth defence. Few of those crosses lead to any major opportunities that goalkeeper Josh Low and his back four couldn’t handle, and Edgeworth lead as the two teams headed in for the break.

Funnily enough though, in the second half, it would be the visitors who would find the back of the net courtesy from a crossed ball.

With twenty five minutes to go in the game, a swirling corner saw former Hyundai A-League Golden Boot winner Daniel McBreen rise above the pack, and successfully head the ball past Blues’ keeper Jim Forgarty in goals.

The win now sees the Eagles move four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand of Broadmeadow behind them, while for Charlestown, after experiencing a great run to begin the year, they now sit four points outside of the top four and their hopes of returning to the finals for the first time since 2014 look bleaker each week as it nears.

Edgeworth coach Damian Zane said that despite the victory, he wasn’t all that pleased with his team’s performance.

“I’m happy with the result but it wasn’t one of our best performances,” said Zane.

“We lacked a bit of composure in possession but I’m happy with the way we continued to battle along even though we weren’t playing out best and that has become a trait of ours.

“One of the plus sides is that we got some game time into a few players that needed it.

“I’m happy to get the three points and keep a clean sheet which helps to move on to next week.”

Lambton Jaffas had the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Hamilton Olympic v Maitland Magpies

Sunday 22^nd July, 2:30pm at Darling Street Oval

This match is shaping up as a crucial ‘six-pointer’ of the season, as two depleted squads look to stake their claim for playing time in September.

Fresh off a 4-1 win over Valentine mid-week, Olympic are a chance to catch the top four if they take the three points from the Magpies.

If the Magpies swoop in with a win, they’ll shoot six points clear of Hamilton and virtually ensure their place in the finals series.

Last time these two teams came head-to-head, Maitland lead, trailed, and snatched the win in the 88^th minute.

Tight games like the one Olympic played against Edgeworth last weekend, have become something of a staple between the two sides in recent times.

In the end, it took a goal-keeping blunder from Olympic’s Tyler Warren and an incisive Edgeworth finish to deny Olympic a point last weekend – but they made up for it during the week.

Olympic welcomed back Kyle Hodges in their win over Valentine on Wednesday night and another win on Sunday would make the race for the finals very interesting.

On the contrary, a Maitland win could just about spell the end of the race as they could move as many as six points clear of the rest of the chasing pack.

A hard-fought win 2-0 over Jets Youth last weekend featured goals to two mid-season recruits in Sean Pratt and Justin Micallef, and pushed them three points clear on the ladder.

Form on the road hasn’t been one of Maitland’s strong points this season as they’ve won just once away from home – over Lakes back in Round 9 – and it’s area they’ll need to improve this weekend.

U18s Olympic vs Maitland at Darling St Oval Sunday 22^nd July kick off at 10.45am

U20s Olympic vs Maitland at Darling St Oval Sunday 22^nd July kick off at 12.30pm

NPL YOUTH:

Hamilton Olympic vs Maitland at Darling St Oval Saturday 21^st July 2018.

U13s kick off at 10.00am

U14s kick off at 11.30am

U15s kick off at 1.00pm

U16s kick off at 2.30pm

Newcastle Jets Youth v Lake Macquarie City

Saturday 21^st July, 2:30pm at Macquarie Field

Eight goals and a hugely entertaining match was showcased last time these two sides met. Could we get the same this weekend?

That match, the 5-3 thriller in which Jets Youth emerged triumphant, was one of the highest scoring matches of the season.

It was by far Jets Youth’s highest scoring match of the season, in fact, that single match has accounted for almost a quarter of the young Jets’ goals this season (23).

They didn’t add to that tally last weekend though, going down 2-0 to Maitland in a match where they may have felt hard done by to not take a point following what was a solid performance.

Sitting five points adrift of the top four, Jets Youth are still a chance of making a late push into the top four but it does look unlikely. A win on Saturday would do those hopes no harm.

Lake Macquarie had the bye last weekend and slipped down the ladder into ninth following Adamstown’s draw with Broadmeadow. To make matters tighter, Weston behind them gained ground with their win over Charlestown.

It puts the Roosters in the middle of that lower-mid-table logjam, which has just four points between tenth and seventh. They’ll look to take confidence from their last result beating Valentine 2-1.

While Lakes are just about out of the running for the finals, there is still one honour that could head out to Macquarie Field this year – the Golden Boot. Sam Walker is equal with James Virgili at 12 goals apiece and could take the lead with a strong showing on Saturday.

Adamstown Rosebud v Weston Bears

Sunday 22^nd July, 2:30pm at Adamstown Oval

Solid results for both sides last weekend will have imbued each with confidence ahead of this weekend.

With just a point separating the two on the ladder, Adamstown will be hoping for a result similar to their 2-1 triumph over Weston back in Round 7 to boost them up the ladder.

If Adamstown win, it’ll be their first clean sweep over an opponent since they managed two wins over Maitland in the league last season.

The performance against Magic last weekend earned Adamstown a point in what was something of an upset result.

Two Rosebud youngsters were picked in last weekend’s Team of the Week – Oliver Davies and Finn Beasley – and the latter will look to prove a handful once again for Weston defenders this weekend.

However, if two players in the Team of the Week is good, then how about three? It’s a feat which Weston managed last weekend with Jackson Burtson, Jamie Subat and Nathan Morris all earning selection in the side.

Burston’s two goals, Subat’s birthday strike and Morris’ defensive marshalling was crucial in last weekend’s surprise 3-0 defeat of Charlestown and they’ll once again be crucial for the Bears this Sunday.

It’s been a common trend this season for the Bears who have shown they can turn up for the big games against big teams. With Steve Piggott’s reign at Weston down to it’s fourth-last match, the Bears will want to step up and finish the season strong.

Charlestown City Blues v Edgeworth Eagles

Sunday 22^nd July, 2:30pm at Lisle Carr Oval

Crucial for things at either end of the top four, Sunday out at Lisle Carr Oval shapes as a mouth-watering encounter between two sides who need all three points.

A draw doesn’t hurt Edgeworth but could knock down Charlestown’s hopes of making the top four, however it was 1-1 the last time these two sides met back in Round 7.

A depleted Charlestown defence struggled last weekend, and went down 3-0 to battlers Weston. They weren’t without their chances though, and if they’d found a little more luck, it could have been a different result.

It’s two defeats on the trot for Charlestown now, and they’ve only scored twice in their last three outings. In fact, they’re the equal second-lowest scoring side in the competition despite sitting in sixth.

Finals hopes for Charlestown depend on the results of sides around them, but the best way to ensure they keep touch is by grabbing three points. Edgeworth are the top opponent though and have plenty to play for themselves.

A potential fourth consecutive premiership is up for grabs out at Edgeworth, and they’re three points clear at the top of the ladder with a game in hand on Lambton and Magic who sit in second and third respectively.

This match comes smack-bang in the middle of a tricky run of three matches, the first of which came last weekend in the tight 1-0 win over Hamilton.

Victory this weekend could see the Eagles shoot six points clear at the top of the ladder, if results elsewhere go their way. It’ll lead into what’s always an enthralling clash against Maitland next weekend.

What the coaches said
Damien Zane (Edgeworth)

“Charlestown have struggled, but they beat Broadmeadow two weeks ago and I thought they were in that match against Hamilton (2-0 defeat). I watched the game against Weston, they hit the post at 1-0 and were in that match so it hasn’t been as bad as what the results have indicated.

“They’e going to be desperate, it’s going to be a tough match. We’re not turning up thinking they’re going to roll over, it’s do or die for them over the next five weeks. We’re expecting a tough match.

“Mitch Dobson is a big loss, the way he’s been playing, but we’ll move on. [Josh] Rosey can go back into the centre, Sam Maxwell and Aaron Oppedisano are back on the right, Maxy can go into the centre if needed. Aaron McLoughlin can come in on the left if needed, Josh Evans will be back and we’ll make a decision as to rushing him back in…we’ve got plenty of options there, and it won’t be an excuse for us.

“We’re five weeks out now, and we’ve created a condition where now we can look at it and say that a win can really give us the upper hand in the race for the premiership. To go six points clear would be massive, and it just puts pressure then on the chasing pack to continue winning. That’s massive, but we just want the three points.”

Valentine Phoenix v Broadmeadow Magic

Sunday 22^nd July, 2:30pm at CB Complex

At opposite ends of the ladder, this match is a must-win for each but for completely different reasons.

A Magic win would see them jump back into second place thanks to Lambton’s bye, while a win for the Phoenix would pull them closer to the pack in their bid to avoid the wooden spoon.

This will be Valentine’s third match in eight days, and they’ll be keen to ensure it doesn’t end the same way as the past two.

They were resoundingly beaten by Lambton last weekend in Round 17, 3-0, before being thumped 4-1 by Hamilton on Wednesday night.

Two results which have left them eight points adrift at the bottom of the ladder, with five games to play and to avoid the wooden spoon, they need to start picking up points.

To chase the prize at the other end of the ladder, Broadmeadow need to win their remaining four matches and hope results elsewhere go their way.

What they must avoid this weekend is a result similar to last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Adamstown. It was a match which they were expected to win but couldn’t get the job done.

What Broadmeadow do have in their corner is their incredible defensive record – they’ve conceded just one more goal (14) than Valentine has scored all season (13). If they can add to their league-high tally of 34 this weekend, they’re good odds to keep a clean sheet.

Lambton has the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Fulltime here at Lisle Carr Oval, a scoreless second half sees Olympic defeat Valentine Eleebana FC 4-1!

Our next game is this Sunday when we face Maitland FC in what is set to be an absolute blockbuster in the context of things!

source: Tom Tsamouras

JUST WEEKS BEFORE THE 2018/ 2019 A- LEAGUE IS SET TO BEGIN, HEAR ALL THE INS AND OUTS ABOUT THE NEWCASTLE JETS FROM LAWRIE, ERNIE AND JASON ( EX-OLYMPIC JUNIOR)

HOFC are proud to announce the club’s inaugural SPORTSMANS LUNCHEON on Friday, 24^th August, 2018 at The Premier Hotel.

Please contact Con at secretary@hamiltonolympic.com.au

or phone on 0423221352 for tickets or enquiries.

source:Tom Tsamouras

Hamilton Olympic will hope to get back to winning ways tonight when it faces Valentine Eleebana FC in our round 14 NPL Northern NSW re-Scheduled fixture which will be played at Lisle Carr Oval Charlestown tonight.

Source: Tom Tsamouras

HOFC would like to congratulate ex- Olympic Junior Adam Zervas on his selection in the Joeys 28 player squad that are currently in Sydney for a 7 day training camp.

The squad will be trimmed down to 23 after the camp in preparation for the 2018 AFC U16 Championship in Malaysia.

Please find an article that gives further details about the newly appointed coach, and further information about the upcoming Joeys matches.

All at the club are extremely proud of this wonderful achievement, Adam! All the very best at the camp and your future path in football.

Source: Tom Tsamouras

Edgeworth Eagles 1 (Garland 57’) def. Hamilton Olympic 0

Sunday 15^th July, 2:30 pm at Jack McLaughlan Oval

It was a huge game for both sides, Edgeworth the chance to maintain their lead at the top of the league and Hamilton the opportunity to move closer to that top four.

The perennial premiers stepped up to the plate and with results elsewhere going their way it looks like the title may be staying at Jack McLaughlan Oval – but there’s still plenty of football to play.

Bailey Garland went close in the 16^th minute with a shot which just went wide from outside the area, and a Tom Stewart header at the other end went over the top just minutes after.

Garland had Edgeworth’s first chance of the match, and he’d have their first goal too shortly after half-time. He seized on a mistake from Tyler Warren, running from deep in the Hamilton half, rounding Warren, and finishing for his third goal in as many games.

Stuart Musalik was brought from the field shortly after that goal, with Kane Treble coming on for the final half-hour in search of an equaliser.

Edgeworth had the ball in the back of the net once again in the 81^st minute and Aaron McLoughlin finished the nicely worked free kick, but Daniel McBreen was offside for the initial header back across goal.

The visitors thought they must have equalised in the 90^th minute when Jacob Bailey rose highest and sent his header toward goal. It looked for all money going in, but Josh Low dived low to his right and pulled off an incredible save to ensure the Eagles won the three points.

Under 20s Olympic won 2-0
Under 18s Olympic won 3-1

NPL Youth
Edgeworth vs Olympic
Under 16s Olympic won 1-0
Under 15s drew 2-2
Under 14s Olympic won 3-1
Under 13s Edgeworth won 0-1

Zone League 2
Olympic vs Charlestown
1st Grade Charlestown won 1-2
2nd Grade drew 1-1

Broadmeadow Magic 1 (Virgili 42’) drew Adamstown Rosebud 1 (Berlin 50’)

Sunday 15^th July, 2:30 pm at Magic Park

Failure to pick up all three points for the second-week running has Broadmeadow Magic facing the impossible to climb back to their previous heights.

The draw with Adamstown wasn’t despite a lack of trying, with a plethora of chances but the Magic men couldn’t find that finishing touch.

For Adamstown, it’s a much-improved result given their recent run and compared to the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Broadmeadow earlier in the season.

James Virgili, on his return to the side after a week in China with the Newcastle Jets, had two early chances in the opening ten minutes but wasn’t able to find the target.

Kale Bradbury should have opened the scoring in the 18^th minute but fired it well over the top, and Magic was looking red hot.

There were chances up the other end for Matt Sokulsky and Finn Beasley, but it took until just before the half-time break for either side to find the breakthrough and it was Broadmeadow who did so.

A free kick broke down, but the ball was still in around the area and it was with Kale Bradbury out on the left-hand side. He sent the ball in, and Luke Virgili hit a low shot on the volley into the bottom corner to send Magic to the sheds a goal to the good.

Four minutes after the half-time break through, Adamstown was level. Finn Beasley did all the hard work, pinching the ball, beating players and managing to lay it off to strike partner Chris Berlin. Berlin hit his shot first time, and with the help of the inside of the post, it found it’s way in.

Magic fought for a winner and had chances, Kale Bradbury nearly had one in the 79^th minute and one of the two resulting corners should probably have made its way in. The home side wasn’t able to find that elusive goal, and it’d finish 1-1.

Adamstown coach Shane Cansdell-Sherriff was pleased with the result.

“I thought it was a good game, the boys did really well. Broadmeadow have been top of the table, I thought we handled it well and stopped them playing their game,” said Cansdell-Sherriff.

“We went out with a game plan and the boys executed it really well, and we were unlucky not to finish with a win. Everyone did really well but in particular, I thought the wide men, Matt Sokulsky and Finn Beasley, I thought they did really really well at driving the Magic defence back.

“I thought our two central midfielders broke up play very well, and defensively we were solid, worked hard together and did what was needed. We stopped three strong front men causing issues.”

Sat eighth on the ladder after a fairly innocuous start to the season, Adamstown are no hope of making the finals and are fairly assured of avoiding bottom spot. What they want to accomplish for the rest of the season is fairly simple.

“We want to win every game, we’ve got to build and keep working hard,” said Cansdell-Sherriff.

“We’ve come a long way, we’ve had our ups and downs but we have a very young side. Every week, we get better so it’s just a matter of building on it and building some more consistency.

“That’s been an issue for us, we’ve had a lot of bad decisions and bad luck cost us throughout the season. We lost our number one goalkeeper (Benn Kelly) on Friday night at training after having a bit of fun in the warm-up.”

Lambton Jaffas 3 (Waller 25’, Griffiths 48’, Crowley 52’) def. Valentine Phoenix 0

Saturday 14^th July, 2:30 pm at Arthur Edden Oval

It’s the end of the season which results need to be forthcoming, and Lambton showed they have the ability to grind them out with a resounding win in what shaped as a tricky fixture.

With other results, it’s a win which moves them into second on the ladder and keeps them within three points of Edgeworth in the top spot. The Eagles have a game in hand.

A goal at around the midway point of the first half got things underway for Lambton, and it was Tom Waller who seized on a loose ball at the edge of the area. It didn’t look much of a shot, but it was deceptive and dribbled past Scott Carter and put the home side ahead.

A four-minute blitz shortly after half-time wrapped up the result for Lambton. Ryan Griffiths, returning from injury had a simple finish inside the six-yard box for his seventh goal of the NPL NNSW campaign.

Shortly after, Braedyn Crowley popped up for his eighth of the season and probably the best of the day. He pinched the ball from a Valentine defender, rounded Carter and finished into an empty net to put his side three goals ahead.

There were unsavoury scenes in the 71^st minute after Braedyn Crowley and Scott Carter found themselves in a foot race after the ball. Carter looked certain to win it, but Crowley looked to speed past the goalkeeper after he’d relaxed.

Carter, with no eyes for the ball, put something of a shot on Crowley as he tried to make his way past and the young striker was barrelled into the advertising boards on the fence. Crowley avoided serious injury, and Carter was shown a yellow card.

Maitland Magpies 2 (Micallef 49’, Pratt 70’) def. Newcastle Jets Youth 0

Sunday 15^th July, 2:30 pm at Cooks Square Park

Windy hill was once again living up to its name, and they were conditions which worked in Maitland’s favour.

The second half double, including a goal to debutante Justin Micallef, puts Maitland three points clear of Charlestown (whom they have a game in hand on) and five clear of Jets Youth.

Top four looks all but assured for Maitland, and a pair of tricky fixtures against Hamilton and Edgeworth in the coming fortnight should tell all.

After a fairly even first half, it took just four minutes into the second for the scoring to be opened.

It was a brilliant little header from debutante Justin Micallef, who was the beneficiary of a nice ball in from Ryan Clarke. The looping header went over Tristan Esquilant, and Micallef did his best Tim Cahill impression at the corner flag.

Jets Youth needed to get back on the scoreboard and began to go forward in search of an equaliser. They almost had it on the hour mark, but Joey O’Connor’s shot hit the side netting.

It was the visitors who had a lot of the ball and looked to be close to finding something, but a quick counter-attack put out any hope of a Jets Youth comeback down.

It was the head of Andrew Swan which began the counter-attack, the ball from youngster Tom Duggan sent Sean Pratt toward the goal. He finished inside the far post and wrapped up the win for Maitland.

Weston Bears 3 (Subat 54’, Burston 77’, 80’) def. Charlestown City Blues 0

Sunday 15^th July, 2:30 pm at Rockwell Automation Park

The Blues were down on troops at the back, but not many would have predicted the kind of result we’d see on Sunday afternoon.

It’s one which hauls Weston eight points away from the bottom of the ladder and leaves Charlestown three points adrift of Maitland in fourth, who have a game in hand.

Charlestown’s injury crisis was bad heading into this one but worsened before 15 minutes had passed when Kane Goodchild was substituted with a quad injury.

It was the only real highlight in a first half which was end-to-end, but without much action inside either penalty area. The whistle was in the referee’s mouth plenty though, with both sides penalised for fouls all over the park.

The game sprang to life after half-time though, and it was the birthday boy who opened the scoring for Weston. He rose highest for a Chris Hurley cross and headed home to give the home side the lead.

Charlestown wasn’t without their chances though, a goalmouth mix up almost saw a goal on the hour mark before a headed chance at the front post hit the upright and bounced clear shortly after.

In the 77^th minute though, Weston would put the game just beyond doubt. A Charlestown clearance found the head of Cooper Buswell, who sent it back down the field. Jackson Burston was first to it, spotted Jim Fogarty off his line, and chipped him to give the Bears a two-goal buffer.

If things were just about beyond doubt after their second, they definitely were in the 80^th minute. A Nathan Morris free kick was swung in, and Burston swung a leg at it. It dribbled past Fogarty and gave Burston his second of the day and Weston the three points.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Edgeworth Eagles v Hamilton Olympic

Sunday 15^th July, 2:30 pm at Jack McLaughlan Oval

Two big wins in as many weeks and a dollop of luck in results elsewhere has Edgeworth back on top of the league.

A midweek bounce-back has Hamilton dreaming of the top four once more, and it looks closer than it has all season.

If we were to bear witness to a match as entertaining as the last time these two met, we’d be lucky indeed. That one was Hamilton’s 3-2 win in sixth round of the FFA Cup. Back in round six of the NPL NNSW, Edgeworth won out over Hamilton by the same scoreline.

Edgeworth will farewell Mitch Dobson this weekend, who will leave a big hole in one of the league’s best defences. It might force a reshuffle in coming weeks, but for this weekend at least things are as per usual.

What will please the Eagles is being back on top for the first time since round 11 after Broadmeadow failed to take all three points away from Charlestown last weekend.

Edgeworth held up their end of the bargain beating Weston at Weston, 4-1 last Saturday. It was another first-half blitz, and in their past two, they’ve scored seven goals in the opening half.

Hamilton could have been level on points in fourth but behind on goal difference if not for a 3-2 defeat to Jets Youth last Saturday.

They might be ruing what may have been after beating out Charlestown 2-0 on Wednesday to climb within three points of Maitland in the top four.

What will be especially encouraging about the win over the Blues is that it was without centre-back and captain Kyle Hodges, who missed out with an injury. Jed Hornery and Blake Green were on the bench, slowly returning from injuries themselves.

NPL Youth:Round 19

Edgeworth vs Hamilton Olympic at Jack McLaughlan Oval

U16s kick off 2.30am

U15s kick off 1.00pm

U14s kick off 11.30am

U13s kick off 10.00am

Broadmeadow Magic v Adamstown Rosebud

Sunday 15^th July, 2:30 pm at Magic Park

Knocked off the top spot for the first time since they rose there back in round 11, Magic will want to do all they can in order to get back there this weekend.

Local rivals Adamstown will be stinging after defeat last Sunday saw them slip down the ladder and virtually wave goodbye to their slim finals hopes.

A similar result to their round six exertions will see Broadmeadow hold up their end of the bargain. They won 4-0, with three goals in the final half-hour helping to blow the scoreline out.

It’s a good chance for Magic to strike back this weekend after they were beaten 1-0 by Charlestown last weekend and knocked out of top spot as a result.

James Virgili was a notable absentee last weekend as he spent time in China with the Newcastle Jets squad. He’s expected to return this weekend and is sure to play a big part.

Magic Park has been a fortress for Broadmeadow this season. They’ve lost just once there in the league and have taken 17 points from eight matches at home.

In comparison, Adamstown hasn’t been too shabby on the road. They’ve picked up 11 of their 16 points and have lost just one of their past five away from home.

Things didn’t go all that well at home last weekend though, going down 3-0 by a Lambton side which played the final half hour with just ten men after Michael Sessions was sent off.

It’s the continuation of a somewhat worrying trend which has seen Adamstown fail to win in their last six matches, including the FFA Cup, stretching back to their 2-1 defeat to Jets Youth back on June 3.

Lambton Jaffas v Valentine Phoenix

Saturday 14^th July, 2:30 pm at Arthur Edden Oval

Undefeated in the league since the middle of May, Lambton will be hoping they can keep that trend up this weekend.

In their way is a Valentine side down on luck, points, and goals. If they can turn things around, they may yet avoid the last spot on the ladder – is this weekend the one?

Whether or not a similar scoreline to the last time these two sides met will be enough to constitute a turnaround isn’t quite clear. It was a scoreless draw, back in round six.

It’s an unbeaten run for Lambton which has featured five wins and three draws – two of the latter against fellow top-four hopefuls Edgeworth and Broadmeadow.

Last weekend was another good result and it edged them closer to top spot – a 3-0 win over Adamstown, made more special by the fact Jaffas managed to play out the final half hour with only ten men.

The downside from that result for Lambton is that they’ll be missing defensive marshal Michael Sessions. They’ve conceded just 17 goals this season and will be hoping to keep that number as is.

In a stat which might raise some eyebrows, Lambton has actually conceded fewer goals this season than Valentine has scored. Phoenix has missed the goals of Jalon Brown big time this season, and they have just 13.

One of those came last weekend, as Phoenix fell agonisingly short of an all-too-important point. An 87^th-minute goal to Sam Walker locked up a 2-1 win for Lake Macquarie.

They currently have two games in hand on the three sides above them, and Valentine are five points adrift at the bottom of the ladder. With the likes of Magic and Charlestown ahead in the run home, a positive result today would make all the difference.

What the coaches said

Sam Griffin (Valentine assistant)

“It’s probably one of the few games that you can’t do a great deal of research on because of their turnover of players at the moment, a few injuries, [you don’t know] who’s going in or out so we’re just going to have to play it as it lies come Saturday. It is Lambton though, so they’re always sharp.

“The result against them earlier in the season was a bit of a reflex action because we got thumped by Lakes the week before and had to go very defensive. Now, at a different stage of the season where we need points, a 0-0 draw is no good to us. We’ll be on the front foot, and hopefully with a few of the numbers they have out we’ll have a few more opportunities and be able to get the one we missed out on in the first round.

“One of the boys said to me after the game last week ‘I don’t feel like we’re playing any worse than we did last year’ when we were top four or five for most of the year. We’re just not getting the results go our way, and for a team which is down the bottom, our resolve and our attitude is pretty good.

“If we come out and play as well as we have been and as well as we can, we get that little bit of luck that everyone needs I can see us taking three points.

“Nathan Hundley broke his foot against Maitland and we only found out before the Lakes game, so he’ll be out but we’re not sure for how long. Wilson Edwards is out, and Zac Sneddon is unlikely with a quad strain.”

Maitland Magpies v Newcastle Jets Youth

Sunday 15^th July, 2:30 pm at Cooks Square Park

Fresh from the bye and still inside the top four after missing a week’s action, Maitland know little but a win will do this weekend.

Same goes for their opponents though, who scored a big win last weekend and will ride a wave of confidence into Sunday.

It was tight last time the two sides met, and if not for the heroics of Jets goalkeeper Noah James things might not have been so 1-0 to Maitland, back in round six.

They spent a week away from the pitch last week with the bye, and now Maitland needs to come back firing if they’re to lock down a semi-finals spot.

Their last match was the 0-0 draw with Valentine, which was preceded by a 2-2 draw with Adamstown. Two points which could easily have been six, but it’s a case of looking ahead for the Magpies.

Defeat this weekend would see them give up their spot in the top four, and it could see them drop as low as seventh. This is a big one for Maitland.

Whereas defeat for Maitland would see them drop out of the top four, a win for Jets Youth could potentially have the youngsters as their replacements inside the finals spots.

While they can’t qualify for the NPL NNSW finals, there is a definite culture of winning which has been ingrained in the side and that was on full display last weekend in the 3-2 win over Hamilton.

There was individual brilliance from Yerisimakis Petratos, a pair of nicely worked goals and some good defending. They’ll be boosted this weekend by the return of a number of players from China, where they travelled with members of the senior squad.

Weston Bears v Charlestown City Blues

Sunday 15^th July, 2:30 pm at Rockwell Automation Park

It’s nearly the backend of a tough run for Weston which, for the most part, they haven’t weathered all too badly.

This weekend might prove their biggest challenge yet though, as they’ll host a Charlestown side which is flying high after its big win in round 16.

It was tight and it was with ten men for the closing stages, but it was Charlestown who emerged triumphant with a 2-1 win over the Bears the last time these two sides met.

The big news out of Weston this week has been the announcement of their coach for 2019. Kew Jaliens will step into the role, one he’s already familiar with given his work with the side as an assistant coach this season.

The immediate focus will be finishing this season as high as possible, and last weekend’s 4-1 loss to Edgeworth was stretched their winless run out to four games.

Weston has done the job over more-fancied opposition twice at home this season with famous victories over both Magic and Maitland. Can they manage another one on Sunday?

The Blues are down on troops and were missing the likes of Zac Lloyd, Ljubo Milicevic, and Daniel Laiman from the defence on Wednesday night when they went down 2-0 to Hamilton.

That defeat put Charlestown slightly behind the eight ball when it comes to the race for the top four – they’ve level on points (22) with Maitland in fourth, but the Magpies have a game in hand.

The match against Weston will be Charlestown’s third in seven days, and there might be some tired legs out there on Sunday. They might look back to last Sunday, and take confidence from a brilliant 1-0 win over then-leaders Broadmeadow.

Lake Macquarie has the bye

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

1st Grade Olympic won 2-0
Goal scorers
11. Scott Pettit
17. Leo Bertos (pen)

Valentine vs Olympic
Under 18s Olympic won 7-0
Under 14s Olympic won 4-3

source:Tom Tsamouras