Category Archives: Uncategorized

• WHEN:  FRIDAY 21 July 7.00pm for a 7.30pm START SHARP
• WHERE: Greek Community Hall, Skelton Street Hamilton (Close to St Francis Xavier, off Parkway Avenue)
• COST:  $15 per player
• AGES- 16 YEARS AND UP
• FANTASTIC RAFFLE PRIZES
• BRING YOUR OWN NIBBLIES
• BYO ALCOHOL as the premises are not licenced.
• Coffee/ tea and cakes provided on the night
• BOOK YOUR TABLES (maximum of 10 players)  BY CONTACTING CON on 0423221352,

0r Heath on 0437776650 or by emailing secretary@hamiltonolympic.com.au

 

In his first start back from injury, Rhys Cooper returned to the scoresheet at Darling Street Oval in Hamilton’s 3-0 demolition of Adamstown.

Reeling from the sacking of former coach Peter McGuinness during the week the Rosebud’s struggled against an Olympic side inspired to end their coach Michael Bolch’s final season at the club on a high.

Cooper opened the scoring in the 23^rd minute after the intricate build up from Olympic. Andrew Swan played in his brother Matt down the left edge who squared to Cooper. Cooper rushed into the box and hit his shot first time, into the right post and the ball deflected in to make it 1-0.

Just two minutes later and Olympic were up by two. Cooper turned provider on this occasion curling in a cross from the right onto the head of Smith who made no mistake from point blank range.

Hamilton took their 2-0 advantage into the sheds and pushed on in the second half through Smith. The build-up was brilliant once more as Tom Davies crossed in from the right edge to Sean Pratt.

Pratt squared to ball back to Tommy Spencer, who chipped over the top to Kane Goodchild. Goodchild was tackled by Rosebud defender Alex Read, however, the ball sat up for Smith who powered home from close range.

The win moves Olympic to within five points of top spot and keeps them in fourth on the ladder.

Olympic coach Mick Bolch felt two of his returning stars were crucial to the win.

“We played some good stuff today and knocked the ball around really well.

“We got into some good areas and Coops made a difference, scored the first, set up the second, but even having Andrew Swan back at left fullback, he and his brother engineered the first goal down the left-hand side.”

With Olympic now having a three-week layoff before their next match, Bolch says how they return will be crucial to their finals aspirations.

In his first match in charge of the Rosebuds caretaker coach Nick Webb said the result “was a bit of a learning curve.”

“Overall, it was a little disappointing, but obviously, there is a bit of work to do.”

After only taking his first training session on Friday it would a very short build-up for Webb who admitted there wasn’t a lot he could change in the short period.

“I just wanted to have a look at them [on Friday]. We had a bit of a game against the 20s so we could see some shape and set up how I wanted to set up in defence, which wasn’t far off how they have played this year. I didn’t want to do too much with them.”

Webb will get two weeks to work with his squad before their next match against Edgeworth, while Olympic has a three-week break before they next play in the PS4 NPL, against Maitland.

source: sportstg.com

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

NPL Youth
Olympic vs Adamstown
Under 16s drew 1-1
Under 15s Olympic won 3-0
Under 14s drew 3-3
Under 13s Olympic won 4-2

Zone League 2
Olympic vs New Lambton
1st Grade New Lambton won 0-1
2nd Grade Olympic won 1-0

NET results
Under 10s Olympic drew with Jaffas 2-2
Under 11s Olympic defeated by Jaffas 2-3
Under 12s Olympic defeated Magic 3-0

Olympic Junior Results
Under 16a Olympic defeated New Lambton 1-0
Under 15a Olympic defeated Jaffas 4-2
Under 13a Olympic defeated by Maitland 1-2
Under 12b Olympic defeated South Wallsend 2-1

Under 9/1 Olympic defeated Lambton
Under 9/2 Olympic defeated by New Lambton
Under 8/1 Olympic defeated South Wallsend
Under 8/2 Olympic defeated New Lambton
Under 7/1 Olympic defeated South Wallsend
Under 6/1 Olympic drew with Mayfield
Under 6/2 Opposition forfeited
Under 6/3 Olympic defeated Newcastle Grammer

Source:Tom Tsamouras

Hamilton Olympic Football Club is proud to announce that Peter McGuinness is to return to the Club as Head Coach from the commencement of the 2018 NPL Season.

“We are truly excited that one of our ‘old boys’, multiple Premiership winning player and coach, Pete McGuinness is returning to our Club. During his first stint here, he enjoyed great success as a three-time 1st Grade Grand Final winning player and lower grade Premiership and Grand Final winning coach. Coupled with his continued success and development as a coach, puts Pete well-placed to lead our football teams into the future” said Mr. Sofianos.

Pete McGuinness served Hamilton Olympic with distinction during his seven years at the Club from 1998 to 2004. In that time he:
won 3 consecutive 1st Grade Grand Finals as a player – 1998, 1999, 2000;
coached our Under 23s to 2 consecutive Grand Finals wins in 2003 and 2004;
coached our Under 23s to 2 Under 23 Premierships in 2001 and 2004;
as a player and coach contributed to 3 Club Championships in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

Since then, Pete has continued to develop and succeed as a coach, winning two more 1st Grade Premierships and two 1st Grade Grand Finals. He has been a W-League and NNSWF Coach of the Year, coached the NNSW Men’s Representative team and the Newcastle Jets W-League team.

“Olympic are one of the ‘powerhouse’ clubs in this region. I am honoured they have asked me to rejoin the Club where I started my coaching career. I am excited at working with the players, coaches and committee to build on the Club’s success both on and off the field.” said Mr. Mc Guinness.

Pete has also demonstrated a strong commitment to youth development over many years. He has coached at the NNSW Institute of Sport, the Emerging Jets, NNSW Boys’ representative teams and during 2015 was coach of the Newcastle Jets Youth team.

“Beyond his success as a senior coach, Pete’s commitment to youth development was a critical factor in our decision as it aligns with the strong commitment our Club has always had to youth development.” said Mr. Sofianos.

source: Tom Tsamouras

Hamilton Olympic v Adamstown Rosebud
2.30pm Sunday 4^th June at Darling Street Oval

Last Meeting: Round 2, 2017: Adamstown 0 Hamilton 1 at Adamstown Oval.

Ladder: Hamilton 4^th (18), Adamstown 11^th (7)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

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

Bottom Line

With Hamilton coach Michael Bolch this week announcing that he would leave Olympic at the end of the season, and rumours swirling that Pete McGuinness will be his replacement, this drama sets up an intriguing sideshow to the weekend’s match.

Olympic desperately want to win this one before they head into a three-week break without matches. A loss on Sunday could mean Hamilton are four points outside the top four before they even return to the field if Lake Macquarie and Maitland win both of their matches.

Rhys Cooper’s return last weekend was eagerly anticipated by Olympic fans and even in his cameo of the bench on Saturday he caused plenty of headaches for the Lambton defence. He will be in line to start this weekend and it would be a boost if he does.

Olympic won a tight battle against Adamstown last time the sides met courtesy of a late Scott Smith strike, however, it didn’t go their way against Lambton on the weekend falling 3-2 in a match where midfielder Sean Pratt hit the post on no less than four occasions.

Adamstown needed to win against the Jets on Saturday to jump out of the cellar, but over a four-minute period midway through the second half, the Rosebuds fell apart as they conceded three goals.

From that moment, it was always going to be an uphill battle and while they grabbed two back, they gave themselves too much work to do in the end.

Adamstown looked to be showing improvement, but, the weekend seemed like a step in the wrong direction as they conceded three for the second time in four weeks and their fifth time in 11 matches.

If they don’t tighten up on Sunday, Kane Goodchild and Scott Smith could have a field day.

Tommy Spencer (groin) and Pete McPherson (groin) are both out for Olympic, and Danny Ireland (illness) remains sidelined. Adamstown are at full strength.

What the Coaches Said:

Michael Bolch (Hamilton)

“I couldn’t comment on rumours as to who they are going to appoint. I can just comment on rumours that I’m not going to be there next year.”

“It’s just a matter of us taking chances. If we took our chances against Lambton, we’d be second place just up behind Edgeworth but, same old story we are creating plenty, but, we’ve got to be focused for 90 minutes. You can’t concede three goals and win games.”

“Rhys Cooper is in the top handful of players in the competition. What you’ve seen last weekend, he’d only done two training sessions and hadn’t played for eight weeks so he’ll be enormous for us coming into our run hopefully into the semi-finals.

Pete McGuinness (Adamstown)

“I’m only concentrating at the minute on this game. Like I said the other week, it’s game by game with us. For the most part of it we played really well last week. We just had a bad six-minute block that killed us. Outside of that I thought we probably dominated the game and should have won, but we didn’t.”

“This week, it’s a different style of football we are up against. They’ve got the front two, Scott Smith and Kane Goodchild. Obviously physical and smart players, they put themselves about. They get the ball to them pretty quickly. We’ve got to be in the physical contest from the word go and win our fair share of second phase play and try to be good with the ball when we have it.”

Key: Kane Goodchild. After a superb solo goal, last weekend he seems to be hitting top form. Can Adamstown find a way to stop him?

U18s Hamilton Olympic vs Adamstown kick off 10:45am Sunday 4^th June at Darling St Oval.

U12s Hamilton Olympic vs Adamstown kick off 12:30pm Sunday 4^th June at Darling St Oval.

NPL YOUTH:

u13s Adamstown vs Olympic kick off 10:00am Sat. 3^rd June at Adamstown Oval

u14s Adamstown vs Olympic kick off 11:30am Sat. 3^rd June at Adamstown Oval

u15s Adamstown vs Olympic kick off 1:00pm Sat. 3^rd June at Adamstown Oval

u16s Adamstown vs Olympic kick off 2:30pm Sat. 3^rd June at Adamstown Oval

IN OTHER GAMES:

Edgeworth Eagles v Lambton Jaffas
2.30pm Sunday 4^th June at Jack McLaughlan Oval

Last Meeting: Round 2, 2017: Lambton 2 Edgeworth 1 at Arthur Edden Oval.

Ladder: Edgeworth 1^st (24pts), Lambton 2^nd (23)

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):

Edgeworth –Won Magic 3-0 (a), Won Lakes (a), Won Phoenix 1-0 (h)

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

Bottom Line

It’s a top of the table clash between the two best sides over the opening 12 rounds of the PlayStation®4 NPL Northern NSW. This match will have a significant bearing on the premiership race and a spot in the PS4 NPL Finals Series at the season’s end.

The clash will be the first of two meetings between the clubs in a week, with the pair squaring off a week later in Round 6 of the Westfield FFA Cup.

The Eagles come into this fixture with their equal best-undefeated run under coach Damian Zane. Since, their only loss of the season – to Lambton, in round two – Edgeworth have been undefeated for eight matches, a record equal to last year’s run where they won eight straight matches.

In addition, Edgeworth have won their last six straight including a 3-0 demolition job of rivals Broadmeadow Magic on Sunday afternoon.

The Eagles dominated Broadmeadow from start to finish in their best performance of the season. Magic barely had a chance to score, while Edgeworth could have scored more with greater polish in the front third.

Lambton have been just as impressive as Edgeworth this season, losing just twice in their 11 matches and they sit just a point of the competition lead.

The Jaffas have excelled in the front third, scoring a league high 25 goals at an average of just over two per game. With Ryan Griffiths potentially joining his brother Joel in the side this weekend, Lambton could improve their attacking output in the second half of the season.

Lambton recorded just their second loss in round 11 against the Jets Youth and responded with a win against Hamilton Olympic on Sunday.

While it was a strange match, where Olympic dominated the first half. Lambton clawed their way into the lead through a second half burst. Those are the matches, against other top four opposition, that James Pascoe will be pleased his side are winning.

Edgeworth have to be slight favourites in this contest. They have been undefeated in their last 14 matches at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

Both sides have a full squad to pick from.

 

What the Coaches Said:

Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

“I just look back at that [round two] game and we conceded and it was probably that we switched off there for five minutes. Just after half-time, I thought they had the game for the first ten minutes, but, when I watched back on the tape I thought ‘what was I watching’. We were on top, and physically I thought they were gone and then we conceded the goal. In the end, Pat Brown was in a bit of form, and I think he can be a handful on his day.”

“I think upstairs I don’t like a lot of turnover in my squad so everyone knows how everyone plays. That’s why I have no problem rotating my squad. Even the new guys that come in, we do a lot of 11 v 11 and mix it up. I don’t keep the same eleven every time at training even. You get to know each other at training and that’s why I do it.”

James Pascoe (Lambton)

“We’re in a good spot at the minute. Michael Kantarovski will be back, Ridge Marpu is a chance however, I doubt I’ll risk him. Ryan Griffiths is a nice addition as well. From a ‘personnel’ point of view, we are all good. I just want to try and get a look at the surface to try and work out how best to approach it. I don’t know whether it will be a day to get the ball down and pass it or try and play the game in Edgeworth’s half a little bit more.”

“I think [the pitch] is [more suited to pragmatism] given what I have heard about it. I’ve not seen enough of Edgeworth’s play out there this year to know just yet. But, I’m hearing there is some shifting bits of turf that they have re-laid and there are some other bits that are still there. First of all, I hope it’s a safe surface, I don’t want to see anyone getting injured playing on it. It’s case of trying to tailor your game to minimise risk on that surface particularly in your own half.”

Key: Lambton haven’t lost away in 9 matches. Edgeworth are undefeated at home in 14. Can either side buck the trend?

 

Valentine Phoenix v Lake Macquarie City Roosters
2.30pm Saturday 3^rd May at Cahill Oval

Last Meeting: Round 2, 2017: Lake Macquarie 3 Valentine 0 at Macquarie Field.

Ladder: Valentine 3^rd (22), Lake Macquarie 5^th (16)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

Valentine – Won Blues 3-1 (h), Lost Eagles 0-1 (h), Drew Olympic 1-1 (h)

Lakes – Won Bears 2-0 (h), Lost Eagles 1-2 (h), Drew Olympic 1-1 (a)

Bottom Line

It’s the second instalment of the Lake Macquarie derby as Valentine play host to Lakes to open round 13.

In contrast to the side’s position of the ladder, it was the Roosters who claimed the bragging rights in their first match since 2013 and they did so in style winning 3-0.

The Roosters struggled for momentum heading into round 12, having gone winless in their previous four PS4 NPL matches, which also included an upset loss to Zone Premier League side Cardiff City in the Westfield FFA Cup.

However, with club hero Sam Walker playing his 100^th match for the club last Sunday, the Roosters rose to the occasion and with the help of a Walker special and a late strike from youngster Blake Green, Lakes took home all three points which now leaves them just two points from the top four.

For the Roosters to be within touching distance of the finals in their first season back in the top-flight is impressive, and a testament to the job Anthony Richards has done at the club.

Another coach who has impressed in 2017 is Valentine mentor Darren Sills who has led the Phoenix to third on the ladder and only two points of the ladder-leading Eagles.

Last weekend, with a side depleted due to absentees and injuries, the Phoenix dug deep and courtesy of two wonderful goals from Jalon Brown, Valentine recorded back to back victories.

Valentine will have plenty of confidence returning home to Cahill Oval, where they are undefeated in five matches so far. It is a stark contrast to their 2016 record at the ground where they couldn’t pick up a point in four matches there.

The Phoenix are favourites, but the plucky Roosters love these matches against top four opposition.

What the Coaches Said: 

Sam Griffin (Valentine Assistant)

“I’d like to think we are a different side now [since the round two loss]. I hope they have realised that you cannot have any games you take lightly. I think, especially the last couple of weeks we’ve been shown that. We got out of the jail in the last minute against Weston. Charlestown were one up on as last week and even the Suns a couple of weeks ago in the FFA Cup, we were down to them as well. There is not a game this year where you can’t be one-hundred percent ready to go.”

“We’ve stopped leaking goals like we were last year so we are giving ourselves a chance to stay in these games and go and win these games. It has come up a few times during the year when we re-cap after the games, it has been said that 12 months ago we would have lost these games, and we have got a group that are fearless now and they are happy to chase, and do whatever they’ve got to do to win games. It’s a really good habit to get into, winning is as much of a habit as losing.”

Anthony Richards (Lake Macquarie)

“It was a different scenario, way back [in round two]. We were young and wide-eyed and didn’t really know what we were in for, so we were keen. But, now the mighty Valentine are going really well, they in 3^rd and doing really well. They’ve got some fantastic players. I think Matt Paul’s probably one of the elite players in the competition that people don’t see a lot of or give him credit. I think he’s a fantastic player and I’d love to have him in one of my sides.”

“I don’t know that we stepped up too much at all [on the weekend]. We probably didn’t play as well as we have been. But, we sort of took our chances and we probably were a little bit better at keeping the ball than we have been which was great. Look, I guess we still have that good work ethic which has got us within the range of beating one of those elite teams. Not a lot did change. I guess we just took our chances against Weston.” 

Key: Valentine’s defence. The Phoenix have conceded just 13 goals in 11 games. Can Sam Walker and his Roosters find an avenue to goal?

Maitland Magpies v Charlestown City Blues
2.30pm Sunday 4^th June at Cooks Square Park

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

Ladder: Maitland 6^th (16), Charlestown 8^th (11)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

Maitland – Lost Rosebuds 1-3 (a), Lost Jaffas 1-2 (h), Won Magic 7-0 (a)

Charlestown – Lost Phoenix 1-3 (a), Lost Bears 0-3 (a), Drew Rosebud 2-2 (h)

Bottom Line

Both sides suffered frustrating defeats in their last encounter and have struggled for form of the last couple of weeks.

Maitland went down in a tight match against Lambton, before falling to the Rosebuds 3-1 in their worst performance of the season before the bye last weekend.

After 12 matches (NPL and FFA Cup) in 46 games to start the season it was a rest well deserved for Maitland and expect them to be fresh come Sunday.

Charlestown, lost to the Bears in round 10 in arguably their most disappointing performance this season and last weekend fell 3-1 to the 3^rd-placed Valentine Phoenix.

Rene Ferguson scored the opener for the Blues on the weekend to continue his solid form in front of goal this season, however, it wasn’t enough as Valentine overran them in the second half.

The Blues have now lost two straight and four of their last five with a loss of players not helping the situation. They have slipped from the cusps of the top four to now just four points of the last spot in what has been a difficult period for them.

The last meeting between the sides was back in round two, and the Magpies got home in a tight battle that evening courtesy of a second-half penalty to Ben Martin.

If finals are to be achieved for the second year in a row for Maitland they need to come away from this match with points otherwise their hopes could start slipping away.

Magpies twin speedsters Ryan Clarke (ribs) and Matt Comerford (ankle) are both still out.

Matt Tull (ankle) and Daniel Laiman (knee) are out for Charlestown.

What the Coaches Said:

Phil Dando (Maitland)

“They are still a difficult team to beat, they haven’t been going too well of late. But, there is no easy games, we know that now. We are just going to give them the due respect that they deserve. We aren’t going to take anything for granted. We got the better of them last time but only just. It’s going to be a tough game and we need to be up for it and certainly be more up for it than we were against Adamstown.”

“The teams that we played have had a good look at us [since the 7-0 win over Magic]. Lambton were always going to be difficult – top of the table – and the way they played, they just stifled us and didn’t let us play and pinned us back. They recognised where our dangers were and they stopped us playing the way we want to play and Adamstown did to a certain extent as well. We’ve got to find ways now to counteract that.”

Shane Pryce (Charlestown)

“We have got to bounce back after leading and controlling at least the first part of the game against Valentine. We’ve got some big hurdles and some big questions to be asked inside the playing group because in my mind that wasn’t good enough. Your only as good as your last result and that was pretty poor from us so we’ve got to bounce back.”

“I think that a lot of work to be done. They’ll probably be a couple of guys that make their first grade starting debut based on the last couple of weeks’ effort from the playing group. [The issue of the past few weeks] has been just crucial football decisions at times from players that should know better and we are being punished for those mistakes. That is basically it.”

Key: Can Charlestown find a way to turn their form around?

Weston Bears v Broadmeadow Magic
2.30pm Sunday 4^th June at Rockwell Automation Park

Last Meeting: Round 2, 2017: Broadmeadow 2 Weston 0 at Magic Park.

Ladder: Weston 10^th (7), Broadmeadow 7^th (12)

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

Broadmeadow – Lost Eagles 0-3 (a), Lost Olympic 1-2 (h), Won Jets 5-1 (a)

Bottom Line

With Broadmeadow having won just one of their last eight matches in the PS4 NPL NNSW, and Weston only registering the solitary win this season, both sides head into the match down on form.

After one of the Bears best performances of the season against Charlestown in round 10, they have lost their last two.

First, it was the last minute lost to Valentine which hurt Weston the week after and last weekend they fell 2-0 to Lake Macquarie in one of their most disappointing performances this year according to coach Steve Piggott.

The Bears have been in every match they have played, and while they sit in 10^th on the ladder, their biggest losing margin has only been two goals. What has hurt the Bears has been tight results which have gone against them, including conceding in stoppage time against the Jets Youth and Valentine.

In 2017, Broadmeadow promised so much, however, have delivered so little so far. After a run to the Grand Final last year, Magic have won just three of their 11 matches this season and need three points desperately to give the side some much-needed confidence.

Magic will feel somewhat confident based on their recent record against the Bears who they haven’t lost to in their last four encounters and haven’t conceded in any of those matches.

Based on experience, Magic come into this encounter as the favourites, but Weston’s young side will relish this opportunity against some of the most decorated players in Broadmeadow’s history.

Weston will be close to full-strength with just Jamie Byrnes out of the side.

What the Coaches Said:

Steve Piggott (Weston)

“Considering we are suffering a bit of a form loss, it could be a bit of a tough assignment for us, even though they have been beaten a couple of times. But, you’d think they will bounce back, but who knows. We’ve got a few players out of form. Our form has just dipped, and it was probably our worst performance on the weekend. We just didn’t seem like the team we have been the weeks before.”

“We did really well against Charlestown and we did really well in patches against Valentine. We probably deserved to get a point there, maybe even pinch the game. We were pretty good in the second half until the dying minutes. Again, it’s probably the third or fourth game where somebody has scored in injury time to hurt us. You could see how disappointed we were [after the Valentine match], after being right in the game and I think that has taken a bit of confidence out of the team.”

Key: Can Broadmeadow’s deliver on their pre-season promise this weekend?

source:sportstg.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source:theherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

source:Tom Tsamouras

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Tom Tsamouras

 

 

 

 

 

Lambton Jaffas v Hamilton Olympic

2.30pm Saturday 27^th May at Arthur Edden Oval

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

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

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the Coaches Said:

James Pascoe (Lambton)

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

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

Mick Bolch (Hamilton)

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

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

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

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

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

YOUTH NPL:

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

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

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

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

IN OTHER GAMES:

Adamstown Rosebud v Jets Youth

2.30pm Saturday 20^th May at Cahill Oval

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

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

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

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

Bottom Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the Coaches Said:

Pete McGuinness (Adamstown)

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

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

Clayton Zane (Jets Youth)

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

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

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

Valentine Phoenix v Charlestown City Blues

2.30pm Saturday 23^rd May at Cahill Oval

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

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

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

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

Bottom Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the Coaches Said:

Darren Sills (Valentine)

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

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

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

Broadmeadow Magic v Edgeworth Eagles

2.30pm Sunday 28^th May at Magic Park

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

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

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

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

Bottom Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the Coaches Said:

Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

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

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

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

Lake Macquarie City v Weston Bears

2.30pm Sunday 27^th May at Macquarie Field

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

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

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):

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

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

Bottom Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the Coaches Said:

Anthony Richards (Lakes)

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

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

Steve Piggott (Weston)

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

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

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

source: sportstg.com

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

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

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

Regards,

Con Gounis

HOFC

M 0423221352