Tonight’s deferred fixtures:

NPL Northern NSW Round 12

Charlestown City vs Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval

Newcastle Jets Youth 3 (Petratos 15’, 66’, O’Connor 58’) def. Hamilton Olympic 2 (Cooper 12’, Papas 61’)

Saturday 7^th July, 2:30 pm at Darling Street Oval

It was back-and-forth stuff at Darling Street on Saturday afternoon, with both Hamilton and Jets Youth holding the lead at various stages of the match.

They both came from behind – but in the end, it was Jets Youth who managed to do it that bit better as they clinched a hugely important win which moved them closer to the top four.

It was Hamilton who got things underway in the 12^th minute of play when a Tom Davies shot deflected nicely into the path of Rhys Cooper who turned home his fifth goal of the season.

A fantastic free-kick in the 15^th minute from Yerasimakis Petratos had Tyler Warren at full-stretch, but unable to keep the ball out and brought Jets Youth level.

Jets Youth went ahead in the 58^th minute when Joey O’Connor sent a brilliant header wide of an out-stretched Warren.As their opponents had done to them earlier in the piece, Hamilton struck back just moments later. Reece Papas was on hand to take full advantage of a mishandle inside the penalty area and made the score 2-2.

In the spirit of the tit-for-tat battle which was unfolding at Darling Street, Jets Youth struck back in the 66^th minute to go ahead once more. It was Petratos again, this time at the front-post after a fast piece of play to finish into an empty net.

Both sides kept pushing, particularly Hamilton who through Rhys Cooper especially looked like they may have had another goal in them. It wasn’t forthcoming though, and Hamilton missed the chance to gain ground on the top four.Jets Youth coach Labinot Haliti was pleased with the result against one of the league’s big clubs.

“Hamilton are traditionally a tough match but we got the victory, so it was a good weekend,” said Haliti.

“We had five of our youth team boys up in China with the first team, and that’s obviously the whole idea of the youth team, having as many boys as we can into the first team.

“If a young kid is doing well, they’ll get an opportunity and Joey [O’Connor] getting on the scoresheet was great, and it was a chance for some other boys who haven’t had so much game time or even boys from under 18s who stepped up.

“We were short of the people who have been playing pretty much all year, but the boys coming in, young boys stepped up and that’s the whole idea. We’re trying to build a competitive environment, players that will do a job and it was very good on Saturday.

“The results helped, and the players start to believe more.”

Haliti was particularly pleased with the way his side banded together and got the three points.

“As a team, back-to-front and front-to-back we did a job,” said Haliti.

“To be honest, we were ruthless, we scored three goals, but take nothing away from Hamilton they’re a good side too. We just got into our game bright and early, started moving the ball around and as the match started to go on we started to grow in confidence.

“Compared to where we were last week against Edgeworth, after five minutes we were down 3-0, so obviously as the match went on we built confidence and that helped a lot. The boys coming in stepped up, and it was great to see.”

Under 20s drew 1-2
Under 18s Jets won 2-3

NPL Youth
North Coast vs Olympic
Under 16s Olympic won 7-3
Under 15s North Coast won 0-3
Under 14s North Coast won 2-4
Under 13s Olympic won 3-0

Zone League 2
Hunter Simba vs Olympic
1st Grade Olympic won
2nd Grade Olympic won

Community Juniors
U16s Olympic 4-2 Lambton
U14s Olympic 3-4 Maitland
U13s Olympic 1-2 Kotara
U12s Olympic 2-2 Lambton

Valentine Phoenix 1 (Wood 21’) def. by Lake Macquarie City 2 (Walker 12’, 87’)

Sunday 8^th July, 2:30 pm at CB Complex

An important result for the makeup of the bottom of the ladder, it looked like the two local rivals would be sharing a point as they game came to a close with the scores locked at 1-1.

But up stepped Sam Walker, scoring his and Lakes’ second of the day with just minutes remaining to secure a clean sweep over Valentine and shoot the Roosters up the ladder.

As well as closing out the scoring, Walker got it underway in the 12^th minute. Paul Sichalwe played him a nice ball through the lines, and Walker chipped Scott Carter to put Lakes ahead.

Tom Sparre lost the battle with a bump in the CB Complex pitch in the 24^th minute, which allowed Valentine to come roaring back into this one.

Sparre attempted a clearance, but before he could connect with the ball it hit a bump and lost his footing, putting the ball directly into the path of Phoenix striker Joel Wood.

Wood played in Josh Murray, who was tackled but the ball fell nicely to Wood who made no mistake from close in front and levelled things up.

On the half-hour mark, Valentine lost a key man to injury. Zac Sneddon, still struggling with a bump he picked up in the opening stages succumbed and was replaced by Aaron Niyonkuru.

Mitch Hunter put a shot just wide in the 52^nd minute as Lakes started the second half stronger than their opponents. Joel Wood had a shout for a penalty waved away in the 64^th minute.

Chances at either end and it looked certain that a third goal would be forthcoming – and Sam Walker ensured that would be so in the 87^th minute, as he poked a ball past Scott Carter for his second of the day.

Stuart Plant pulled off a magnificent save from close range in the 89^th minute to prevent Reece Pettit, and it was Lakes who took all three points.

Weston Bears 1 (Morris 51’) def. by Edgeworth Eagles 4 (Cawley 12’, 17’, Bizzarri PEN 23’, Garland 43’)

Saturday 7^th July, 2:30 pm at Rockwell Automation Park

A first-half blitz on Saturday did the job out at Rockwell Automation Park as Edgeworth set themselves up to inflict some real damage to Weston.

They didn’t add to their tally in the second half, and a goal-of-the-season contender from Nathan Morris was little but a consolation as Weston went down for the second time in a week.

Adam Cawley opened the scoring in the 12^th minute after glancing in a ball which had been sent in by Aaron Oppedisano.

He doubled his, and Edgeworth’s lead just five minutes later. The beneficiary of a nice ball in from Will Bower, Cawley sent his header wide of Kane Runge and into the bottom corner.

Bower was involved again shortly after, he was brought down by Callum Bower inside the penalty area and a spot kick was awarded. Dom Bizzarri stepped up and sent Runge to the wrong way to make it 3-0 Edgeworth.

As he so often does, Tyson Jackson was on hand to set up Edgeworth’s fourth and put the result virtually beyond doubt before half-time. His ball across the six-yard box found Bailey Garland, who scored his second in as many weeks.

Five minutes after half-time, Weston had one back through an extraordinary strike from Morris. Charging out of the back line, Morris won the ball and played a one-two with Jackson Burston.

Without taking another touch, Morris hit through the ball and left Josh Low standing. It was little but consolatory in the end though, Weston now without a win since round 12 while Edgeworth shot to the top of the ladder.

Edgeworth coach Damien Zane praised an exceptional opening 45 minutes.

“The first half was really good, and in the second half the conditions worsened and it was tough to play in, but we grinded out a win,” said Zane.

“We were probably scoring more goals than we thought we would at the start of the year, and we had a few of our defenders who missed a bit of pre-season so we concentrated on getting the defence back right, which we did.

“About a month ago, we felt the only thing that was left to do was the final third and not just creating chances, but taking them more so. We’ve been working hard on that, it’s sort of the final piece of the puzzle for us.

“With the turnover of players, we never thought we’d be that fluent at the start of the year so this was the plan coming to fruition. We’re starting to gel and look quite dangerous, which is good.”

The goal has always been semi-finals for Edgeworth, but Magic’s loss on Sunday means the Eagles are now in first place.

“We’ve got to the stage where with the results in the week’s past, we’re still two wins off the semis but we’re at ease with that,” said Zane.

“We’ll start looking at premierships, for us, it’s a long way. Six games away, and I know it’s an old cliché but we’ll take it game by game and see where we end up.

“If we continue improving, we’ve been training really well. The last two Tuesday night sessions, you could see a positive result coming each week. We’re looking strong physically, and if we keep working hard then I think we’ll keep getting rewarded.”

Adamstown Rosebud 0 def. by Lambton Jaffas 3 (Own goal 27’, Duncan 34’, Crowley 39’)

Sunday 8^th July, 2:30 pm at Adamstown Oval

A three-goal first-half set Lambton on their way to tighten their grip on a spot inside the top four on Sunday afternoon.

The last half-hour was much trickier as the visitors were forced to defend with ten men, but they kept the sheet clean and secured three points.

Lambton opened the scoring in the 27^th minute when a tricky corner in wasn’t dealt with at the near post and found it’s way in with the help of a Rosebud defender.

Another corner, this one in the 34^th minute would bring Lambton further undone. Marcus Duncan rose highest this time, the defender scoring his second goal from a set piece this season and a crucial one for Lambton.

They had three just before halftime when a pass across the defence from player-coach Shane Cansdell-Sherriff sold his left-back short. Lambton swooped, and Braedyn Crowley finished for his third goal in two games.

Lambton went down to ten men in the 61^st minute when Michael Kantarovski was sent from the pitch for a challenge which was adjudged worthy of a yellow card. It was the midfielder’s second of the day, so he was off for an early bath.

Despite having the man advantage for more than half an hour at the back end of this one, Adamstown was unable to find the breakthrough. They slipped down to ninth on the ladder, while Lambton jumped to within three points of top spot.

Charlestown City Blues 1 (Goodchild 41’) def. Broadmeadow Magic 0

Sunday 8^th July, 2:30 pm at Lisle Carr Oval

Last time these two sides clashed it was a fiery affair, with a red card in the second-half and plenty of talking points.

While it wasn’t so fiery and the talking points weren’t as plentiful on Sunday, the result was monumental and things have tightened up across the league as a result of the Blues’ solitary goal.

Already racked by injuries, Charlestown now has another to deal with after Daniel Laiman went off in the opening minutes.

Things were tight and chances were at a premium, with neither side willing to give an inch. It took a touch to send the defender the wrong way, and a tricky finish from Kane Goodchild to send Charlestown in front just before the half-time break.

The injury crisis went from bad to worse for Charlestown in the 44^th minute, as Ljubo Milicevic was helped from the field and substituted off after going down.

Things began to open up in the second-half, with Magic looking to go forward and find a way through in order to maintain their advantage at the top of the ladder.

Jim Fogarty was in goal for his first match in Charlestown colours and was proving important with a swag of saves and punches clear to keep the red men at bay.

He and a depleted Charlestown defence did enough in the end – keeping Magic out, their lead intact, and going level on points with Maitland in fourth.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Newcastle Jets Youth v Hamilton Olympic
Saturday 7^th July, 2:30 pm at Darling Street Oval

It’s a depleted Jets Youth side this weekend, up against a Hamilton side who could be struggling for match sharpness despite playing on Wednesday night.

It was tight and it was messy last time the two teams faced off, but it was Jets Youth who triumphed with a 2-1 victory back in round five.

With much of the senior side heading to China for a short pre-season tournament, Ernie Merrick has decided to take along a number of young talents to give them a taste of senior football.

It means Jets Youth will be without mainstays Jack Simmons, Jackson Frendo, and Kieran Hayes for an important clash with Hamilton this weekend.

It will be a big loss, particularly so considering how they’ll be stinging after last weekend’s big 5-1 loss to Edgeworth. A win this weekend could push Jets Youth into fifth.

A bye and a series of washouts mean Hamilton hasn’t played a competitive fixture since the 17^th of June, their 4-1 win over Adamstown Rosebud. By the time they take to the pitch on Saturday afternoon, it will have been almost three weeks.

What was looking like a bit of a battered and bruised Hamilton outfit will have had time to recover and overcome a few niggles, despite a lack of match practice.

Of all the sides outside the top four, Hamilton looks like the one perhaps most likely to make a run on it. There are six points separating them and Maitland in fourth, but Olympic has three games and potentially nine points in hand.

What the coaches said:

Peter McGuinness (Hamilton)

“I’m expecting plenty of enthusiasm from the Jets, in youth development, the role is to develop the player holistically and part of that is giving them opportunities to test themselves in another level of football.

“Those players that get that opportunity this week will be full of energy and very excited to be playing first grade if they’ve been called up from the 18s. They’ll be well-prepared, well-organised, and probably champing at the bit to get on the pitch.

“Three weeks since our last game, we played Adamstown and then were washed out against Valentine [on 24 June and 4 July] and haven’t played since. The boys are very keen to play and have been so frustrated because we had a little bit of momentum, performing quite well and importantly we were getting results but it’s stalled everything.

“The one good thing is it’s helped Jarryd Sutherland, Jed Hornery, Blake Green who are all injured long-term. We haven’t played any football while they’ve been out, and all three are possibly a couple of weeks away.

“Stuart [Musalik] will play this weekend, as long as the surface is good then he’ll have a good impact on the game. I’m not sure how long he’ll last at top speed level, but he’s doing quite well and has earned the opportunity.”

NPL YOUTH

North Coast Football vs Hamilton Olympic at Polwarth Drive, Coffs Harbour

U13s kick off 1.00pm

U14s kick off 2.45pm

U15s kick off 1.00pm

U16s kick off 2.45pm

Valentine Phoenix v Lake Macquarie City

Sunday 8^th July, 2:30 pm at CB Complex

It’s the Lake Mac derby once again, and although there’s now some distance between these two teams on the ladder Sunday’s result could change the complexion of the bottom half of the competition.

You’d be well pressed not to remember the last time these two sides met. Out at Macquarie Field, it was 1-all within the first five minutes but Lakes eventually streaked out to an incredible 6-1 victory.

One of the defensive performances of the season last weekend secured Valentine their eighth point of the season, and incredibly their fifth draw. The 0-0 draw with Maitland was just the second time Magpies had been kept scoreless.

They’ll need to put in a similarly defensive solid performance this weekend in order to avoid the embarrassment inflicted last time they played Lakes.

If Darren Sills can get centre-backs Reece Pettit and Mele Temguia to play to the same standard they did against Maitland, it will hold Valentine in good stead on Sunday.

A win for either side will have a big impact on how things turn out come August. A Lakes win would put them eight points above Valentine and virtually guarantee them avoiding the spoon.

A Phoenix win would pull them up within two points of Lakes, and put the pressure on both them and Weston. It’d guarantee a real scrap to avoid the bottom place, and really put the wind in Valentine sails for the back end of their season.

Despite playing against ten men for almost sixty minutes last weekend, Lakes wasn’t able to pull off their third win in a row and finished 2-2 with Adamstown.

The Roosters are one of the most potent attacking teams in the league, with 25 goals scored, they are the highest-scoring side outside of the top four.

11 of those goals belong to Sam Walker, who is level with James Virgili in the race for the Golden Boot. With Virgili away this weekend on Jets duty, Walker could step ahead in the race.

What the coaches said:

Nick Webb (Lakes)

“I have no doubt Valentine will be as defensively strong as they were against Maitland last week, I’ve just watched the game and I think they’re very well structured. Reece Pettit does a great job marshalling the troops, Zac Sneddon sits in front, so we’re going to have our work cut out.

“We’ll be looking to move the ball as quickly as we can, get our front four more involved and get some more forward runs which would put their back four under pressure. We’ve got some work to do because last week we just weren’t in the same game, so we’ve got to make sure we step up this week and push hard.

“We need more urgency on everything, we need to want the second ball when it’s there in defence and attack, we need to move the ball quickly and take responsibility in attack and start to shoot when we have to instead of passing it off to someone else to take responsibility. Last weekend we got caught out many times and it looked like they were outnumbering us, but they had one less than us.

“We’ve spoken about that, and we’re looking forward to the weekend and hopefully earn some points like we have in the last three weeks. Joel Wood and Matt Paul are always dangerous for Valentine, we’ll be looking to shut those guys down and not let them run at us, but it will be up to our attitude on the day.”

Weston Bears v Edgeworth Eagles

Saturday 7^th July, 2:30 pm at Rockwell Automation Park

It’s a match between two sides who are both one position off – for Edgeworth it’s one spot from the top, for Weston it’s a spot from the bottom.

Weston will be hoping that this weekend is anything but the same as the last time the two met. That match finished 4-1 to Edgeworth, who capitalised on some poor set piece set-ups from the Bears.

After a superb win over Maitland back in round 12, Weston has failed to kick on from that result and have picked up just a single point since then. Last weekend was a tough result against strong opposition – a 3-0 defeat at Broadmeadow.

It’s a situation which the Weston committee deemed couldn’t continue, with news breaking last Friday that coach Steve Piggott wouldn’t see out his three-year contract and will depart at the end of the season after two seasons at the helm.

Whether or not that will bring the playing group together or see them limp to the finish line is yet to be seen. This weekend might provide some insight, as Edgeworth is another tough opponent.

Instability in the dugout is something which is far from the Eagles’ minds, especially after they claimed their biggest win of the season last weekend when they knocked five through what had been a solid Jets Youth defence.

What’s even scarier for Weston this weekend is that they did it with Dylan Holz on the sidelines, and Daniel McBreen and Will Bower returning from injury.

With things so tight at the top of the league, every match is a must-win for Edgeworth. Three premierships in as many years suggest they thrive on the pressure.

What the coaches said:

Damien Zane (Edgeworth)

“Any team coached by Piggo is pretty well set up defensively, they’ve had a big improvement from last season to this season. They haven’t lost at home to any of the teams that are in the top four, so we’re expecting a tough game. Traditionally there’s a bit of a rivalry between us, so our boys are going to have to be at their best.

“We’ve had issues up at Weston for years, back to when I was playing, a couple of years we’ve gone up there and won but it’s a different prospect this year. They’re really well organised, they’re playing some good football…last week I didn’t think they were as bad as the score-line suggested.

“There’s not much from last weekend we really need to improve on, they scored a goal from one mistake we made when we were probably disjointed while we made three subs. I was pretty happy, we finally took the chances we’ve been creating and to be 2-0 up after four minutes… we’ve lacked that finishing touch, but young Bailey Garland came in and his run helped with the first goal and he scored a cracker for the third. Hopefully more of the same from him this week.

“Dylan Holz is back, he’s got his stitches out and was given the all-clear. Sam Maxwell will probably have another run in the 20s, and apart from that we’re at full strength (but) Josh Evans may possibly be away.”

Adamstown Rosebud v Lambton Jaffas

Sunday 8^th July, 2:30 pm at Adamstown Oval

Back in the winners’ circle for the first time since late May, Lambton is now making their way back up the ladder while Adamstown’s resurgence has been slightly halted over the last fortnight.

It was against Lambton which that resurgence started to kick into gear, the two sides playing out a 1-1 draw, back in April, which was just Adamstown’s second point of the season.

It was a mighty effort from Adamstown last time out, coming from behind with ten men and actually lead Lakes at one stage. The 2-2 draw ensured they stayed in the eighth spot.

A red card to Robbie Turnbull last weekend means they’ll miss him on Sunday, which will leave an experienced hole in the backline. It’s a hole exacerbated by the absence of Benn Kelly, who will miss another week after his red card against Maitland.

Now six points off the top four with five games to play, a run on the finals looks unlikely but a win on Sunday could edge Adamstown closer. The focus will be on Sunday and no further, but it’s not a bad motivator.

Lambton moved within four points of top spot with a win over Charlestown last weekend. Now in third, the 2-1 win demonstrated just how important Braedyn Crowley is to that side.

He’s got six goals from eight games this season, and given the test to Lambton’s depth Crowley will be crucial again this weekend. Jaffas will be missing Luke Remington, Nathan Verity, and Ryan Griffiths who are sidelined with injury.

Joel Griffiths and Jobe Wheelhouse are away but Lambton will welcome Bren Hammel back who will be important regardless of his match fitness. A win on Sunday would put Lambton five points ahead of fourth place.

What the coaches said:
Shane Cansdell-Sherriff (Adamstown)

“They have experience, they’re well-organised and well-drilled. They’ll know what they want to do and they’ll go and do it, so we’ve got to be prepared for what they’re going to bring to the table. We have to show them respect, they’ve got the quality that can hurt you.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re on our toes, we can’t switch off, we’re well-organised and we work hard. When you lose senior players like [Robbie Turnbull and Benn Kelly] that, it’s difficult because you’re taking away a lot of experience from the team.

“There’s a lot of young boys this year who are fantastic, but just that game management that the senior players are used to. It certainly affects you over the course of the game.”

Charlestown City Blues v Broadmeadow Magic

Sunday 8^th July, 2:30 pm at Lisle Carr Oval

It’s a battle of two of the leagues’ heavyweights, but the tables have certainly turned since the first weeks of the competition and now nine points separate the pair.

Broadmeadow was the first side to inflict defeat on Charlestown this season, a 6^th-minute goal to John Majurovski and a 76^th-minute red card to Shane Paul two of many talking points in the 1-0 result.

The Blues haven’t won in the league since May 13, a 2-0 win over Valentine back in round nine. They went close last weekend, but Lambton proved too strong in the 2-1 victory.

That made it four league losses in a row for Charlestown, who are still in fifth but that’s largely due to their stunning early season form. Kane Goodchild is returning from injury, a return to form could help get the Blues back into the finals.

A loss this weekend would make their task much harder – but it is a very tall order. The side above them, Maitland, has the bye and Charlestown can move level on points with a win.

The team in their way is one-point clear at the top of the league, have scored the most goals (33) and conceded the least (12). They’ve lost just twice all year, and once on the road.

Last weekend was a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Weston and one which James Virgili bossed. He scored once and set up the other two goals, and he will be missed this weekend as he travels to China with the Newcastle Jets.

It’s a good chance for Kale Bradbury to step up and make his mark on the team, which he’s already made a good showing with his nine league goals so far this season. A win would see them make what could be an important contribution to their goal difference, and maintain that lead at the top regardless of other results.

What the coaches said:

David Tanchevski (Charlestown)

“We’re expecting much of the same from Magic, they’ve been one of the best teams in the competition and every game against them is a tough game. Our first one against them this season was tough, not many chances and a tightly fought game so it’ll be much of the same on the weekend.

“We took a lot of confidence out of last week against Jaffas, we didn’t get the win but we had a lot of good chances and we were probably unlucky not to score at the end when Cal [Lewis] and Goody [Kane Goodchild] had a couple of good chances at the end there. The performance was much better than the past couple of weeks, we’ve been carrying a few injuries and players have been playing with injuries.

“It’s looking pretty strong for this week, it’ll be the strongest squad we’ve put out in about six or seven weeks. Kane [Goodchild] will be available to select off the bench, Pete McPherson will be on the bench for us, and we signed Daniel Ott through the week and he’ll be available for selection, and Jim Fogarty will make his debut for us this weekend. We’re just waiting on Kev [Davison] who injured himself in the first five minutes of the Jaffas game.

“It was always going to be difficult for us this year lacking some depth, we’ve probably felt that in the last four or six weeks and the results have been affected through that as well. We’ve got players back on deck now, players are playing for spots and there’s competition for spots again.

“It also brings freshness to the squad as well, there’s a lot of fatigue after the matches we’ve played over the past few weeks. Competition for spots, fresh faces, and it’s healthy competition.”

Source: northernnswfootball.com.au

We are back in action tomorrow night with our round 14 Re-scheduled fixture against Valentine FC out at Cahill Oval, Belmont!

First Grade kick off at 7.45pm while u20s at 6.00pm.

source: Tom Tsamouras

Just a reminder that the Annual Trivia Night is on this evening.

Those who have booked a table, it starts at 7.00pm at the Greek Hall, Skeleton Street, Hamilton. BYO nibbles and drink.
See you there.

Our 1st Grade and Under 20s have the bye this weekend.
Our under 18s take on Mid North Coast Football at 4.15pm at Lake Macquarie Facility.
While our NPL Youth teams are away on Sunday, 1 July against Lambton Jaffas at Edden Oval, Lambton.
Good luck to all teams.

source: Tom Tsamouras

The NPL Northern NSW Round 14 clash between Valentine and Hamilton Olympic was washed out. The rescheduled dates are to be announced.

NPL Youth
Olympic vs Adamstown
Under 16s Olympic won 2-1
Under 15s Olympic won 5-2
Under 14s Olympic won 2-1
Under 13s drew 2-2

Community Juniors
U/12a (NET) Olympic 0-3 Lambton
U/13a Olympic 11-0 Broadmeadow
U/14a Olympic 1-6 Broadmeadow
U/16a washed out

source: Tom Tsamouras

·       WHEN:  FRIDAY 29 June 2018

·       Start time 7.00pm.

·       WHERE: Greek Community Hall, Skelton Street Hamilton (Close to St Francis Xavier, off Parkway Avenue)

·       COST:  $15 per participant

·       FANTASTIC RAFFLE PRIZES

·       BRING YOUR OWN NIBBLIES

·       BYO ALCOHOL as there will be NO DRINKS for sale

·       Coffee/ tea and cakes provided on the night

·       BOOK YOUR TABLE OF 8 or 10 BY CONTACTING CON on 0423221352,

Heath on 0437776650 or by emailing secretary@hamiltonolympic.com.au

Valentine Phoenix v Hamilton Olympic

Sunday 24^th June, 2:30 pm at CB Complex

The final fifteen minutes proved pivotal for both sides last weekend, but more complete performances are a must if three points are to be forthcoming this weekend.

A fight-back from a two-goal half-time deficit and a Rhys Cooper bomb saved Hamilton a point in a 2-all draw back in round three when these two sides last met.

Two goals down inside the opening fifteen minutes, and it looked like it could well have been another long day at the office for Valentine last weekend but the fight-back was superb and in the end, it was a deserved point in the 2-all draw with Jets Youth.

With reports from The Newcastle Herald, Valentine has added depth to what is a thin squad, some competition for spots may just prove the catalyst for an improved run home.

Key to that will be putting goals in the back of the net. Valentine has only 12 goals from 11 matches this season and has been kept scoreless on four occasions this season.

Goals have not been a problem for Hamilton this season, who sit third on the goal scoring charts despite being three places and four points adrift of the top four.

Injuries to key men like Jarryd Sutherland, and more worrying the suspected ACL injury of Simon Mooney will undoubtedly play a role in the coming weeks but Olympic did well without them last weekend.

The 4-1 win over Adamstown was a demonstration of the depth within that squad, with two men under injury clouds doing much of the damage – Scott Pettit off the bench, and Jed Hornery whose fitness was in question during last week. Pettit pulled up well, but there are still question marks over Hornery.

What the coaches said:

Peter McGuinness (Hamilton)

“We’ve rested the whole group, and had a few recovery sessions in the ice bath and the hydrotherapy pool. We’ve had the week off, we’re doing a light session on Thursday night just to freshen everyone up. I think we had four games in ten days or something like that.

“The amount of rain we’ve had, I’m thinking we could be off on the weekend… I certainly hope not, we’ve just been through a tight schedule and if we’ve got last weekend back up and we lose this weekend as well there’s two catch-ups and we’ll go through a similar period (as four games in ten days). I’d rather play consistently.

“I read the paper and they’ve (Valentine) brought in a couple of boys which will help them. When we played them in round three, I thought they got off to a good two-goal lead then we put the foot down and went hammer and tongs for the rest of the game and I thought we could have won that. Valentine aren’t a bad side and they’ll be itching to get up above where they currently sit so it’ll be tough.

“We’re taking our games one at a time (rather than talking about positions) but we used the FFA Cup as a springboard and said let’s get a run on in this and get some results, which we did. Ultimately, we needed one more to get through to the next round but we used that we took that good form into weekends and got a few wins. It’s one at a time, but we know that if we don’t win one at a time it makes it harder for us.”

NPL YOUTH:

Hamilton Olympic vs Adamstown Rosebud Sunday 24 June 2018 at Darling St Oval

U13s kick off at 10.00am

U14s kick off at 11.30am

U15s kick off at 1.00pm

U16s kick off at 2.30pm

Edgeworth Eagles v Broadmeadow Magic

Sunday 24^th June, 2:30 pm at Jack McLaughlan Oval

It’s now arguably the biggest match-up in local football, and the stakes are high come Sunday. For Magic, failure to win last weekend while Edgeworth had the bye means they’re just one point ahead of the Eagles, who have a game in hand.

A Broadmeadow win would give them a four-point buffer despite Edgeworth’s game in hand – a loss, and Edgy go clear at the top.

It was Edgeworth who triumphed last time the two sides met, back in round three. It wasn’t an easy one, as Magic fought back from two goals down before a late own-goal earned the Eagles a 3-2 victory.

A week off thanks to the bye will have been ample time for Damien Zane’s side to recover from the heartbreak of missing out on the FFA Cup Round of 32 for the first time since 2014.

Whether it’s been enough time for Daniel McBreen and Will Bower, who were injured during that FFA Cup loss to Hamilton, to recover is another question.

This weekend is a case of the league’s two best defences battling it out. Edgeworth has conceded just 13 goals in 11 league matches this season, but have a big task this weekend.

That task is containing a side which has scored 30 goals in 12 matches and boasts the league’s two top leading scorers in James Virgili and Kale Bradbury.

With Virgili declaring to The Newcastle Herald this week that ‘everything is in our hands’, the question now is whether or not Broadmeadow will wilt under the pressure and the chance to stretch our their lead of the league.

The mix of youth and experience in the side suggests that the latter will ensure this doesn’t happen – the likes of Josh Piddington, Paul Bitz and John Majurovski will be vital in steering the ship.

Weston Bears v Lambton Jaffas

Saturday 23^rd June, 2:30 pm at Rockwell Automation Park

Contrasting results is probably the best way to describe the way these two sides come into Saturday’s only fixture.

Comprehensive is the only way to describe the result the last time these two sides met, as Lambton earned the chocolates on Easter Saturday with a 4-1 win.

Fresh off what coach Steve Piggott described as the ‘worst display of football by a team I have coached in 30 seasons’ to the Maitland Mercury, a Weston outfit which was down on troops is in desperate need of improvement.

Coming off the back of a huge win over a strong Maitland side, many expected that form to continue against Lakes but a string of missed chances and an inability to make passes stick seen them go down 2-1.

It was a result which could have been much worse if not for a couple of key saves from both Kane Runge and defender Jordan Jackson.

That type of desperate defending might be crucial against one of the most potent offences in the league, despite injuries cruelling that strike force.

Joel Griffiths is set to be out for at least three weeks with an injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw with Magic last weekend, which will give more responsibility to the likes of Braedyn Crowley and Pat Brown.

Lambton sits just inside the top four, level on points (20) with third (Maitland) but with two sides below them which could jump into the top four if a win isn’t forthcoming this weekend.

Charlestown City Blues v Lake Macquarie City

Sunday 24^th June, 2:30 pm at Lisle Carr Oval

After an anticipated gruelling schedule which was given some relief thanks to midweek rain, Charlestown needs a win against a resurgent Lakes on Sunday.

Ljubo Milicevic was on hand to give the Blues a 1-0 win over Lakes on Good Friday, the last time these two sides met.

He scored in the wrong net last weekend as Charlestown was thrashed by Maitland 5-1 in blustery conditions at Cooks Square Park.

After sitting top of the ladder with five wins from five games at the start of the season, Charlestown has now won just one of their past five matches in the league and has slipped out of the top four.

Injuries are piling up at Charlestown, which wasn’t helped by Kev Davison’s red card at Maitland last weekend.

Relief was on hand when rain delayed their catch-up game against Hamilton pencilled in for Wednesday. It will allow the Blues to catch their breath but is a match which will prove crucial when it eventually comes around.

It’s been a good week for Lakes after they earned their third league win of the season with a good performance in the 2-1 win over Weston.

The good times kept on rolling on Monday when the club announced that incumbent coach Nick Webb has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club until the end of next season.

It will allow him to continue to work with the quality players at his disposal – the likes of Campbell Ross and Tom Sparre, who each earned their place in last week’s NPL Northern NSW Team of the Week.

What the coaches said:

Nick Webb (Lakes)

“Happy to have signed a new contract, when I signed on at the start there was always the option to extend to the end of next year and although results haven’t gone our way the committee has shown a bit of faith and they can see what we’re working towards. We’ll get through the next few weeks, then we’ll start recruiting.

“Charlestown is just about in the top four, they’re a quality team with some quality players and we have to make sure we’re up for it. Last time we played them at our ground, we should have got something out of the game. We’ve looked at that game and the last few, we’ve analysed what we need to do to win and we’ll be trying to do that.

“Everyone is vulnerable at different times and we can all look at injuries and some of the bigger rosters have more depth than others, Charlestown being one of them, we don’t have as big a roster as those guys. It’s 11v11 at the end of the day, whoever turns up is what we have to face. We don’t really look at ins or outs for them, we focus on what we have to do and attack where we need to.”

Adamstown Rosebud v Maitland Magpies

Sunday 24^th June, 2:30 pm at Adamstown Oval

A resounding defeat with ten men for Adamstown, and a resounding victory against ten men for Maitland last weekend.

If those trends are to continue, then we may see a repeat of their Good Friday clash and the incredible 9-1 Maitland win – but that seems unlikely.

What’s more likely is that last weekend’s result against Hamilton, the 4-1 defeat, isn’t perhaps a fair reflection of the game which it was.

Two Hamilton goals in the final ten minutes blew the score-line out and restored their unwanted record of the league’s worst defence, with 31 goals conceded.

In what is perhaps the biggest loss from the result last weekend is the double loss of two key players. Luke Vallone and Connor Heydon are set to miss the rest of the season, with a torn hamstring and fractured ankle respectively. They’ll also be without defender Luke Rutledge this weekend, who was sent off.

Perhaps a further concern for Adamstown is their record at home this season – just one win at Adamstown Oval from six attempts. Maitland’s record on the road isn’t stellar, but it might just be good enough.

Of course, Maitland’s home record is strong this season and it was made even stronger with a 5-1 win over Charlestown on Sunday.

Matt Comerford pushed his tally for this season out to seven with a hat-trick and solidified Maitland’s reputation across the league as free-scoring.

Inside the top four once again after that win on Sunday, Maitland has the chance to go one spot better if results go their way over the weekend. Three points on Sunday could jump them into second.

What the coaches said:
Shane Cansdell-Sherriff (Adamstown)

“We’re aware it (the 9-1 loss to Maitland) and of what happened last time, but we haven’t focused on that. I’ve said to the boys from the start keeping moving forward, don’t look back, the past is in the past. Every week we’re learning a little bit better, we’re performing good for large parts of the game and then little things are slipping in which are letting us down.

“Maitland has a lot of experienced NPL players in there, they’re going to be confident and know what’s in front of them. Like I’ve said before, everyone has a 50/50 chance of winning the game so it comes down to who turns up on the day and who wants to perform.

“Last weekend we could have been 1-0 up, even 2-0 up before half-time and even after we got our first goal we had chances. We need to be more ruthless around the goal, but looking back at the goals we conceded last week against Hamilton and the week before against Magic in the Cup, they’re goals that are coming from our individual errors.”

Source: northernnswfootball.com.au

HAMILTON coach Peter McGuinness praised his team’s character and hoped a comeback 4-1 win over a 10-man Adamstown on Sunday was the starting point of their run at the top four in the Northern NSW NPL.

Olympic climbed to 16 points and seventh spot, four points outside the four, with the round 13 victory at Darling Street Oval.

Backing up from a midweek 2-1 loss to Broadmeadow in the FFA Cup, Hamilton were behind in the 57^th minute when Luke Vallone chipped goalkeeper Tyler Warren.

Jed Hornery equalised in the 66^th after Benn Kelly spilled Scott Pettit’s shot. Hornery put Olympic ahead three minutes later when he slotted home Rhys Cooper’s through ball. Pettit scored from the spot in the 84^th after Luke Rutledge was penalised and yellow carded for a close-range handball off Kane Treble’s shot. Rutledge was given a second yellow, this time for dissent, after the penalty. Cooper finished a run from halfway with a goal in the 93^rd minute for 4-1.

McGuinness said his tired team “looked a yard off it for most of the game” but substitutes Pettit and Treble helped turn the tide. He said Hornery, Pettit and Reece Papas played through injury and he welcomed the show of character from his squad.

“If I could have got that in bucketloads earlier in the year when we were up against it, we wouldn’t be out of the four, but we are and we’re looking to get in it,” McGuinness said. 

“That’s a starting point.”

Adamstown coach Shane Cansdell-Sherriff rued referring calls and missed chances from his side, who dropped to eighth on 14 points. He said inconsistent calls from officials were “wrecking and changing games”.

“Talking back to the ref, he’s got to accept what he got for that,” he said of Rutledge’s send-off. “But I don’t accept the yellow card for the handball. The decision-making from some of the officials this season has been absolutely horrendous.

“They want us to respect them and treat them the right way, then they’ve got to start performing at the level, because it’s affecting games, it’s affecting players.

“I’m not happy with the way it was dealt with by the players, but I can share their frustration to a degree.”

At Cooks Square Park, a hat-trick from Matt Comerford helped Maitland (20 points) jump from fifth to third with a 5-1 win over a 10-man Charlestown, who dropped to fifth on 19.

Both sides had a penalty each saved and Blues defender Kev Davison was sent off in the 74th minute for match official abuse.

At CB Complex, last-placed Valentine (seven points) came from 2-0 down after 12 minutes to draw 2-2 with the Jets Youth. Cai Tipaldo scored in the second minute and Yerasimakis Petratos converted a penalty in the 12th after keeper Scott Carter fouled Tipaldo. Joel Wood (30^th) scored before Jesse Feighan (86th) equalised off Zac Sneddon’s through ball.

On Saturday, leaders Broadmeadow (24 points) and Lambton Jaffas (20) drew 1-1 at Edden Oval and second-last Lake Macquarie (nine) defeated Weston (12) 2-1 at Macquarie Field. 

James Virgili pounced on a mix-up at the back to score in the 29th minute for Magic, who went to outright first ahead of Edgeworth (23). Jaffas equalised in the 72nd through Pat Brown, whose scored from a close-range rebound after his header was blocked. Lambton slipped from third to fourth on goal difference behind Maitland.

Mitch Hunter scored Lake Macquarie’s winner with a header in the 73rd minute. Morgan Okeno put the Roosters ahead in the 16th minute off a Paul Sichalwe cross and Tega Adjeke equalised with a header in the 66th. 

At Maitland, Comerford scored in the sixth minute after Ryan Clarke and Matt Thompson opened up the Blues defence. Comerford made it 2-0 off a Clarke cross in the 17^th and added a third in the 29^th with a corner kick that beat everyone. Scott Smith headed in a Matt Tull corner in the 45^th minute to give the visitors hope but a Ljubo Milicevic own goal off a Comerford cross in the 58^th and Clarke’s finish in the 90^th completed the rout. 

source:theherald.com.au

Hamilton Olympic v Adamstown Rosebud

Sunday 17^th June, 2:30pm at Darling Street Oval

With the FFA Cup now in the rear-vision mirror for both these sides, the league is once again the priority and with just a point separating the pair a win for either will be crucial.

Hamilton triumphed last time the two met as a Jed Hornery goal was enough to secure coach Peter McGuinness’ first competitive win as Olympic coach – 1-0 back in Round 2 this season.

It was a case of so close, yet so far for Hamilton in the FFA Cup. They went down at the last hurdle, a 2-1 defeat to Broadmeadow on Wednesday night denying them a shot on the national stage.

With all eyes back to the league, Hamilton needs to start picking up wins everywhere they go if featuring in the finals is a goal for them this season. They’re six points and four places adrift of the top four, albeit with a game in hand.

With Simon Mooney waiting on the results of an MRI on Friday to assess how bad his injury on Wednesday night was, there are a number of question marks of others in the squad as well. Scott Pettit, Kyle Hodges, Jarryd Sutherland and Jed Hornery are all unknowns ahead of Sunday.

Adamstown didn’t make it quite as far in the cup as Hamilton but both were beaten by the same side. Rosebud went down 3-0 on Saturday at out at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

It wasn’t a particularly poor performance though, which will have given coach Shane Cansdell-Sherriff some encouragement. As their eyes turn back to the league, the ladder isn’t bad viewing for Adamstown.

After a bad start to the year, that run of four league wins in a row catapulted them into seventh and just five points from the top four. It looks a long shot, but with a couple of victories Adamstown could compete for one of those spots in the four.

What the coaches said:
Peter McGuinness (Hamilton)

“The FFA Cup loss is disappointing but we move on, that’s the end of that competition and we’ll concentrate heavily now on the league and try to climb the ladder as high as we possibly can.

“I was happy with the performance considering we had a few knocks and bruises from the weekend, we lost Scott Pettit in the warm-up and then Simon Mooney who are two key players in our front third. We recovered and competed well… a bit of luck could have gone our way, but unfortunately didn’t.

“Adamstown have improved dramatically, what Shane’s done with them he’s got points and managed to climb the ladder and he’s done a good job. A number of players there out of last year Olympic under 20s side who trained with us pre-season then decided to head over the road. I’m expecting plenty of players with a point to prove.

“A lot of the injured boys will wait until the morning of the game, and that’s to give them every opportunity.”

NPL YOUTH ROUND 15:

Weston Workers vs Hamilton Olympic on Saturday 16 June at Rockwell Automation Park

U13s kick off at 10.00am

U14s Bye

U15s kick off at 1.00pm

U16s kick off at 2.30pm

Lake Macquarie City v Weston Bears

Saturday 16^th June, 2:30pm at Macquarie Field

This weekend’s match of the round takes us to Macquarie Field for a game which will have real implications for those sides hovering around the bottom of the ladder.

No FFA Cup duties for either side mean they come into this fresh off a weekend’s break, something which Weston may not have wanted given they scored a huge derby win over Maitland in Round 12.

Some time off may have been just what Lakes needed given they’d lost six league games straight prior to the week off. A goal difference which is one better than Valentine’s is all that’s keeping them better from bottom.

An up-and-down run has Weston sitting on 12 points, but they’ll no doubt be buzzing after that surprise derby win over a strong Maitland side. The return of Kew Jaliens, who played around 60 minutes in the relatively unfamiliar role of striker, is an encouraging sign for one of the youngest squads in the competition.

The loss of Kamon Bol, who was deregistered from the squad, creates opportunities for the likes of young defender Angus Lathan, who started against Maitland in that win a fortnight ago. He was one of the best on the park and may be called upon once more on Saturday.

A win for Weston may just be enough to ensure they avoid the wooden spoon for the first time in three seasons. While there’s still plenty of football left to be played, three points would extend the gap between them and bottom up to nine points.

Meanwhile, a win for Lakes would keep them off the bottom of the ladder and close that gap between them and Weston (in ninth) to just three points. For them, this is a key ‘six-pointer’.

Relatively injury-free for much of the season, the week off for Lakes might have stood as a good chance for them to catch their breath and regroup ahead of the nine remaining league matches.

If the second half of the season is going to be better than the first, then home form may be a good place to start. They have the equal-second worst record at home this season, with just one win from six attempts.

What the coaches said:

Nick Webb (Lakes)

“We had a bit of a bonding session on Saturday then back into training pretty hard, getting ready for Weston. I’m not sure if it was a good time for a break, I think we’ll find the answer to that on Saturday. The boys are certainly pumped for the game, training really really well.

“It’s probably been our best training week of the year and we’re going into the game with high hopes. We’re expecting a tough match, they’ve done really well in recent weeks and are very compact, two strikers made a huge difference with Kew Jaliens up top, experienced player.

“When you’ve got those sorts of players in your team, you normally get some good structures and success, so we have no doubt it’s going to be a tough match. We’re lucky enough that we have some wide players that can attack, we’re strong through the front third with our strikers and we’ll be looking to mix it up and change what’s in front of us.

“We’re looking to turn our season around, and it starts this week.”

Newcastle Jets Youth v Valentine Phoenix

Sunday 17^th June, 2:30pm at CB Complex

Things are getting desperate at Valentine, and Jets Youth will need to be at their best if they’re to overcome Phoenix on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, it was Jets Youth who did the job the last time these two sides met with a 2-1 victory back in Round 2. Back to the beginning of the draw after the bye in the last round, Valentine will want a win in order to get their second half of the season off to a much better start.

Without Lawrie McKinna in the technical area this weekend due to a trip to Russia for the FIFA World Cup, it falls on Labinot Haliti to take full responsibility on the sideline.

It’s certainly a good time for Haliti to flex his muscle, given confidence is sure to be high after two straight wins over quality opposition – 1-0 over Charlestown three weeks ago, and 2-1 over Adamstown in the last round.

One man who has been immense for Jets Youth in both those victories is captain Kieran Hayes. The midfielder scored the winner against Charlestown and set up the first against Adamstown and is a key cog in the Jets machine.

At the bottom of the ladder and without a win since victory over Weston back in round eight (their only win of the season), it will have been three weeks since Valentine has taken the pitch by the time they take to it on Saturday.

Their last match was the tight 1-0 defeat to Edgeworth in Round 11, with a bye and the FFA Cup weekend meaning they’ve spent plenty of time on the sidelines with discussions regarding their goals for their remaining ten matches.

Wilson Edwards is out for Valentine this weekend and looks likely to be so for at least another fortnight. The loss of American import Christian Kershaw also leaves a hole, which is yet to be filled.

What the coaches said:

Sam Griffin (Valentine assistant)

“Three weeks between games, which is not ideal but probably at the stage we were in it was a good time to go away, have a bit of a break then come back and get back into it. Everyone is pretty fresh and raring to go, which is the reaction you’re hoping for.

“I went and watched the Jets a couple of weeks ago against Adamstown and they were very fluid, you’re used to the Jets being quite structured but their rotation was so good. I think we’re going to have to have eyes in the back of our heads to keep track of all the movement.

“They’re quite good at keeping possession and not turning the ball over as often, we would like to take it to them and get up in their face a bit and play up their end a bit more. The first time we played them was up own end, so hopefully turn them around and get something out of it.”

Lambton Jaffas v Broadmeadow Magic
Saturday 16^th June, 2:30pm at Arthur Edden Oval

Midweek matches for both sides where neither left anything in the tank, although Lambton was forced to play an extra half hour than their Magic counterparts.

It was all for nothing in the end for Jaffas though as they went out of the FFA Cup on penalties, while Magic got the job done 2-1 over Hamilton on Wednesday night.

They haven’t lost since Round 4 at Weston, and now Broadmeadow has been buoyed further after the win on Wednesday night sent them into the FFA Cup Round of 32.

It follows relatively straightforward 3-0 wins over Adamstown in the FFA Cup final eight on Saturday, and Lakes in the league the week before.

There were question marks over Kale Bradbury’s fitness for one after he went off with injury during that clash with Adamstown. Encouragingly for Magic though, he played the full 90 minutes in that midweek win over Hamilton.

It was heartbreak for Lambton as they crashed out of the FFA Cup following the heroics of Charlestown ‘keeper Danny Ireland to help the Blues win out on penalties after no goals in 120 minutes.

Both Lambton and Magic may have felt the odds were even coming into Saturday given both were playing midweek matches, but the extra half hour may prove something of a difference come the weekend.

Bren Hammel is out for Jaffas due to an overseas trip, while Braedyn Crowley is available for selection once again after being cup-tied for that fixture on Wednesday night.

It’s a match which is of huge importance to both sides and could have big implications on the make-up of the ladder. If Magic win, they’ll go three points clear of Edgeworth who has the bye this weekend and Lambton could potentially drop out of the four.

A Jaffas win would bring them to within one point of top spot though, improve on that goal difference which could be key come season’s end, and put a stop to Magic’s dream run of late.

Hamilton Olympic v Adamstown Rosebud

Sunday 17^th June, 2:30pm at Darling Street Oval

With the FFA Cup now in the rear-vision mirror for both these sides, the league is once again the priority and with just a point separating the pair a win for either will be crucial.

Hamilton triumphed last time the two met as a Jed Hornery goal was enough to secure coach Peter McGuinness’ first competitive win as Olympic coach – 1-0 back in Round 2 this season.

It was a case of so close, yet so far for Hamilton in the FFA Cup. They went down at the last hurdle, a 2-1 defeat to Broadmeadow on Wednesday night denying them a shot on the national stage.

With all eyes back to the league, Hamilton needs to start picking up wins everywhere they go if featuring in the finals is a goal for them this season. They’re six points and four places adrift of the top four, albeit with a game in hand.

With Simon Mooney waiting on the results of an MRI on Friday to assess how bad his injury on Wednesday night was, there are a number of question marks of others in the squad as well. Scott Pettit, Kyle Hodges, Jarryd Sutherland and Jed Hornery are all unknowns ahead of Sunday.

Adamstown didn’t make it quite as far in the cup as Hamilton but both were beaten by the same side. Rosebud went down 3-0 on Saturday at out at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

It wasn’t a particularly poor performance though, which will have given coach Shane Cansdell-Sherriff some encouragement. As their eyes turn back to the league, the ladder isn’t bad viewing for Adamstown.

After a bad start to the year, that run of four league wins in a row catapulted them into seventh and just five points from the top four. It looks a long shot, but with a couple of victories Adamstown could compete for one of those spots in the four.

What the coaches said:
Peter McGuinness (Hamilton)

“The FFA Cup loss is disappointing but we move on, that’s the end of that competition and we’ll concentrate heavily now on the league and try to climb the ladder as high as we possibly can.

“I was happy with the performance considering we had a few knocks and bruises from the weekend, we lost Scott Pettit in the warm-up and then Simon Mooney who are two key players in our front third. We recovered and competed well… a bit of luck could have gone our way, but unfortunately didn’t.

“Adamstown have improved dramatically, what Shane’s done with them he’s got points and managed to climb the ladder and he’s done a good job. A number of players there out of last year Olympic under 20s side who trained with us pre-season then decided to head over the road. I’m expecting plenty of players with a point to prove.

“A lot of the injured boys will wait until the morning of the game, and that’s to give them every opportunity.”

Maitland Magpies v Charlestown City Blues

Sunday 17^th June, 2:30pm at Cooks Square Park

It’s fourth versus fifth up at Cooks Square Park on Sunday as Maitland look to snap a poor run of form and jump back into the top four.

Meanwhile, Charlestown is riding high after qualifying on penalties for the FFA Cup Round of 32, and hoping they can fight their way back toward the top spot.

Without victory since the 2-0 victory over Lakes back in Round 9, Maitland will be looking to move on quickly from that shock loss to Weston in the Coalfields Derby.

Home has been a somewhat happy hunting ground for the Magpies, who have lost just twice at Cooks Square Park this season. Three points against a strong Charlestown side could prove the perfect boost to kick Michael Bolch’s side on for the back end of the season.

The Magpies come into this one very fresh compared to their opponents. Their last game was that loss to Weston two weeks Sunday due to their crashing out of the FFA Cup against Lakes in the competition’s fifth round.

Charlestown made history by becoming just the fifth team in Northern NSW (excluding Newcastle Jets) to qualify for the FFA Cup after that penalty win over Lambton on Wednesday night.

Squad management will be key to getting three points this weekend and in the coming weeks ahead. This match will be Charlestown’s third in eight days (smack-bang in the middle of five in fifteen days) and comes off the back of a gruelling 120 minutes against Lambton.

The Blues will be hoping ‘keeper Danny Ireland can replicate his FFA Cup heroics this weekend. He was enormous throughout the win over Lambton with key saves in extra-time and the penalty shootout.

This is an important match for both sides, given the make-up of the ladder. A loss could see Charlestown drop out of the top four (albeit with a game in hand), whereas a loss for Maitland could see them potentially five points adrift of the top four.

Source: northernnswfootball.com.au