George Tsamouras Football Journey

Broadmeadow Magic v Hamilton Olympic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 U18s kick off at 10.45

U20s kick off  at 12.30

Adamstown Rosebud v Valentine Phoenix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the coaches said

Darren Sills (Valentine)

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

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

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

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

Lambton Jaffas v Maitland Magpies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edgeworth Eagles v Lake Macquarie City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the coaches said:

Damien Zane (Edgeworth)

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

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

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

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

Weston Bears v Newcastle Jets Youth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the coaches said:

Labi Hailiti (Jets Youth)

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

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

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

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

Charlestown has the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Expressions of Interest Only

Hamilton Olympic FC Youth Trials 2019 Season

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

SAP U9’s Tuesday 14 August 2018 5pm

NET U11’s Wednesday 15 August 2018 5pm

NET U12’s Thursday 16 August 2018 5pm

U13’s Youth NPL Monday 17 September 2018 6pm

U16’s Youth NPL Monday 15 October 2018 6pm

U14’s Youth NPL Tuesday 16 October 2018 6pm

U15’s Youth NPL Wednesday 17 October 2018 6pm

All trials will be held at Darling St Oval

Trials are by invitation only.

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

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

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

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

Source: Tom Tsamouras

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U20s  Hamilton Olympic  – Lambton Jaffas  2-0

U18s Hamilton Olympic  – Lambton Jaffas  1-0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weston had the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Hamilton Olympic v Lambton Jaffas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the coaches said:

Peter McGuinness (Hamilton)

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

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

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

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

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

NPL YOUTH

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

U13s kick off at 10.00am

U14s kick off  at 11.40am

U15s kick off at  1.00pm

U16s kick off at  2:30pm

Maitland Magpies v Lake Macquarie City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the coaches said:

Nick Webb (Lakes)

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

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

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

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

Valentine Phoenix v Charlestown City Blues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the coaches said:
David Tanchevski (Charlestown)

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

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

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

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

Adamstown Rosebud v Edgeworth Eagles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadmeadow Magic v Newcastle Jets Youth

Tuesday 7^th August, 7pm at Magic Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weston has the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Lake Macquarie City 2 (Walker 12’, Hunter 41’) def. by Hamilton Olympic 3 (Cooper 25’, Bertos 57’, Bailey 86’)

Saturday 28^th July, 2:30 pm at Macquarie Field

In two games between these two teams this season, there have been a whopping 12 goals.

Five of those came on Saturday in a see-sawing affair, where Olympic came from behind twice but could have been dead and buried at the end of the first half.

Sam Walker opened the scoring for Lakes in the 12^th minute of playing, after Reece Papas was caught in possession and the Roosters striker pulled off a nice finish. The home side should have had another shortly after but wasn’t able to turn the ball in the midst of a goalmouth scramble.

Olympic made them pay shortly after though, with a nice move which started with the goalkeeper and ended with Rhys Cooper sliding a good finish past Stuart Plant in the Lakes goal.

A precise header, along with a fair bit of luck, earned Lakes their second goal. It was Mitch Hunter who rose highest from the corner in the 41^st minute.

Olympic got themselves back on level terms in the 57^th minute through a Leo Bertos header inside the six-yard box, and when Jacob Bailey seized on a Plant mistake in the 86^th minute Hamilton wrapped up the three points.

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

NPL Youth
Charlestown vs Olympic
Under 16s drew 1-1
Under 15s Olympic won 13-0
Under 14s Olympic won 7-0
Under 13s Charlestown won 2-3

Zone League 2
Olympic vs New Lambton
1st Grade New Lambton won 2-3
2nd Grade drew 3-3

Community Juniors
Under 16A Olympic won 2-0
Under 13A Olympic 9-2 Charlestown

Edgeworth Eagles 1 (Jackson 85’) drew Maitland Magpies 1 (Pratt 73’)

Sunday 29^th July, 2:45 pm at Jack McLaughlan Oval

It took until the second half for this clash to really come to life, but when things sparked it ensured a thrilling finish on Sunday afternoon.

Tyson Jackson was the saviour for Edgeworth, rescuing a point with an 85^th-minute goal after Maitland perhaps could have been a little further ahead.

There weren’t many chances in the first half, Maitland’s best was a Sean Pratt free kick which went close.

Both sides wrestled for control and Edgeworth started to take it as the first half wound down, when Adam Cawley was just millimetres away from finishing into a near empty net and a Daniel McBreen free header inside the box couldn’t be steered home on the stroke of half-time.

Maitland had a golden opportunity on the hour mark after Edgy keeper Josh Low brought down a Magpie inside the area. Alex Read stepped up to take the spot kick but put it straight at the legs of Low.

They had another chance from the spot in the 73^rd minute when Tom Duggan was brought down inside the box by Aaron Oppedisano.

This time it was Pratt who stepped up, and although Low went the right way the penalty was too good and Maitland was ahead.

Jackson smashed his equaliser for Edgeworth into the top corner from close range in the 85^th minute, and the momentum was well and truly back with the home side.

They should have won it just minutes later when a floated free-kick found an unmarked Daniel McBreen, but his header from point-blank range went over the bar and the two sides shared the points.

“I’ve not long watched the game, and Maitland were pretty good, to be honest,” said Edgeworth coach Damien Zane.

“The first twenty minutes we lacked composure and that was through them putting us under pressure, as it went on I thought, and it sums up the game, they were better but we had the better chances.

“It’s pleasing in a sense that we were threatening and created chances, but we have to be better. We gave away two poor penalties, defended poorly twice, so in the end, it was good to fight back and give ourselves an extra little buffer. I’ll take a point.”

If the ladder remains as it is, Edgeworth will take on Maitland in a two-legged semi-finals battle in four weeks’ time. Zane believes his side will have to step up and ‘match their intensity’ if that tie eventuates.

“The Swan brothers and Carl Thornton were swarming us and I don’t think we really dealt with it all that well,” said Zane.

“I thought we won that midfield battle in the first match, and we won that match, so that’s one area. We have a few players that need an extra run, we have a trial match against the [Western Sydney] Wanderers on Wednesday and I think that’ll be good.

“Boys like Sam Maxwell, Aaron Oppedisano, Dylan Holz are not long back from injury. Josh Evans is just back from his trip away so that’ll be good, and it’s important to get some solid game time into a few guys and get that rustiness out.”

The draw takes Edgeworth four points clear at the top, and their next three games are against the competition’s bottom three sides – Adamstown, Lakes, and Valentine.

“If we don’t win those games, then we don’t deserve to win the premiership,” said Zane.

“They’re bottom of the table, but they’ve got nothing to lose and that’s the tough thing in itself. We pride ourselves on not switching off and losing games that we’re favourites to win, so I don’t think we’ll get cocky and not turn up.

“It’s important we get the job done. You don’t want to go into the finals in poor form, so there’s a few reasons we want to keep on winning.”

Charlestown City Blues 4 (McPherson 10’, Goodchild 73’, Minors 85’, Ott 90+2’) def. Adamstown Rosebud 1 (Berlin 80’)

Sunday 29^th July, 2:30 pm at Lisle Carr Oval

The last ten minutes saw the scoreline blow out slightly after what had been a close match for the most part, and it’s a big win which has kept Charlestown’s slim finals hopes alive.

In their first match since marquee man Ljubo Milicevic announced his retirement via social media, Charlestown got off to the perfect start when Pete McPherson put one away in the tenth minute.

The Blues thought they had a second in the 18^th minute when Scott Smith tapped home from close range, but he was offside.

It took more than an hour for another goal to come, the chance coming after Adamstown youngster Liam Ryan brought down Matt Tull inside the area.

Kane Goodchild stepped up and hit an almost-perfect penalty into the corner to double the home side’s advantage.

That advantage was halved shortly after though when Chris Berlin found himself in behind the defence. A half-step sent Jim Fogarty the wrong way and made the finish easy for Berlin.

It was a goal which sparked Charlestown into action, and when Daniel Minors’ glancing header found it’s way in the 85^th minute the Blues had an unassailable lead. Daniel Ott’s first goal in Charlestown colours in late injury time was the icing on the cake.

“I was happy with the performance, it’s been a bit tough over the past couple of weeks with injuries, I think we got seven players back yesterday from the Edgeworth game,” said David Tanchevski, Charlestown City Blues coach.

“You’re reintroducing a new starting line-up once again, so there’s an inconsistency there but I was really happy with how the boys performed. We created a mountain of chances we didn’t take in the first half and let them back in at 2-1, but then finished them off well.”

Two points off Maitland in fourth and one-off fifth-placed Hamilton Olympic, Charlestown has played a game more than each of those sides and look an outside chance of playing finals football.

Their hopes hinge on poor results for the teams around them – but Tanchevski said a good run home is ‘all we can do’.

“If we can keep winning, we have Valentine at Valentine next Sunday. If we can win that game, hopefully, we’re in for a fight,” said Tanchevski.

“That’s what our goal at the start of the season was, to be in the finals shout coming into the last three or four weeks of the season.

We probably should have been in a better position, if it wasn’t about for the players we had unavailable, but we’re still where we wanted to be at the start of the season.

“Anything can happen in this comp, there’s been some crazy results this year, so as long as we keep on winning then we’re doing our bit.”

Packed in between Adamstown this weekend and Valentine next weekend, however, is a mammoth FFA Cup Round of 32 clash against NPL Victoria leaders Heidelberg United.

“We’re excited, the boys are really excited to get on there. It’s a bit more of a professional field, going down to Melbourne and playing, the experience is going to be great for the guys,” said Tanchevski.

“The team that we’re playing apart from an A-League team is one of the tougher teams you could draw. They knocked out Perth Glory last year, so we’re up for a big battle with a depleted squad again.

“Pete McPherson can’t get up there, Matt Tull is suspended and Ljubo [Milicevic] is out. We’ll give it a good go, and the boys will be better for the experience, that’s for sure.”

Weston Bears 1 (Morris 73’) def. by Valentine Phoenix 3 (Wood 18’, 55’, 90+2’)

Sunday 29^th July, 2:30 pm at Rockwell Automation Park

In a rare purple patch of form, Weston went into Sunday’s clash as favourites – something they haven’t done all too often these past few years.

Joel Wood had different plans though, putting on an absolute clinic for the young strikers at the ground with a hat-trick to seal all three points for a Valentine side which now has a shot at avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon.

His first was from the penalty spot in the 18^th minute after Nathan Morris brought down Wilson Edwards inside the box. Wood sent Kane Runge the wrong way and made it 1-0.

Ten minutes after half-time, Wood doubled his and Valentine’s tally. It was a solid finish at the back post, the number 9 beneficiary of a nice Matt Paul ball across the box.

Weston got themselves back into it in the 74^th minute of play, when Nathan Morris hit a stinging volley into the inside of the far post and subsequently the back of the net.

The visitors would have the last laugh, though. In what looked like a very tight call for offside, Joel Wood broke the line and finished past a furious Runge to give the visitors all three points for the first time since they’d last played Weston.

source: http://northernnswfootball.com.au

Lake Macquarie City v Hamilton Olympic

Saturday 28^th July, 2:30pm at Macquarie Field

Saturday’s visitors missed the chance to jump level with the top four last weekend and the hosts slipped down the ladder after a seven-goal thriller.

In fact, there were seven goals scored the last time these two sides met too when Hamilton pinched a 4-3 win in a tit-for-tat battle at Darling Street Oval back in May.

High scoring games have become somewhat of a theme of Lakes’ games this season, and there have been more goals at Roosters’ matches than any other side with 66 (30 for, 36 against).

The 4-3 loss to Jets Youth last weekend was one in which Lakes never led, but were level at 2-2 and 3-3 before an 82^nd minute goal condemned them to defeat and pushed Lakes down to tenth on the ladder.

Such is the compact nature of that ladder, a win this weekend could push them back up as high as eighth. Will Lakes have enough in the tank though, especially against a desperate Hamilton side?

Olympic could have pushed level with the top four last weekend, but a frustrating 0-0 draw with Maitland denied them the chance to make any significant ground on the finals spots.

Still three points off fourth place, Hamilton need to ensure they pick up maximum points every weekend between now and the finals in order to capitalise on any potential slip up from Maitland.

Therefore, a win on Saturday is crucial to Hamilton’s finals hopes. Even more so when you consider that this weekend is followed by big matches against Lambton and Magic.

What the coaches said:

Nick Webb (Lakes)

“I’m hoping it’s not a high scoring game, I hope we win 1-0. I’d like to get a clean sheet to be honest, we’re looking to be better defensively and if we can snag a goal that would be really good.

“I’m expecting Hamilton to be quietly confident, and hungry for the game. Last time we showed that we can stay in the fight, we’ve certainly got what we need to get a result this weekend.

“Sam Walker has been outstanding for us this year, we made him captain at the start of the year and he’s led from the front. There’d be nothing better for the squad to see him get the Golden Boot, I understand James Virgili was injured last night [in the FFA Cup] which might open the door up for Sam. There’s no doubt we’re not making the semi-finals this year, so there’d be nothing better than to send Sam out with the Golden Boot.

“Not really any changes this weekend, Jackson O’Sullivan snapped his wrist in the first couple of minutes last weekend against the Jets. Harry Lane should be back in for him after a couple of weeks out with a head injury, so we should be back to our starting 11.”

10.45am  u18s Lake Macquarie vs Hamilton Olympic

12.30pm  u20s Lake Macquarie vs Hamilton Olympic

Youth NPL:

Round 21: Charlestown vs Hamilton Olympic at Lisle Carr Oval Saturday 28 July

U13s kick off 10.00am

U14s kick off 11.30am

U15s kick off  1.00pm

U16s kick off   2.30pm

Edgeworth Eagles v Maitland Magpies

Sunday 29^th July, 2:30pm at Jack McLaughlan Oval

At different places in the ladder but three points clear in their own respects, this is a huge match for both teams at the pointy end of the season.

In what has developed into a strong, competitive rivalry since Maitland’s promotion back to the top tier of local football, Edgeworth hold the upper hand. They’ve won all but two matches in the last ten between these two, including a 2-0 win back in Round 8.

It’s the back end of a huge three game run for Edgeworth, who beat Hamilton and Charlestown in the weeks previous and now face fourth-placed Maitland.

The most recent of those victories was a 2-0 over Charlestown, with an own goal and a Daniel McBreen header extending the Eagles unbeaten run in the league to nine matches.

May 13^th is the last time Edgeworth was beaten in the NPL NNSW, and they’ve won their last four games on the trot. It’s a run which has them perched three points clear at the top.

Maitland are three points clear themselves as well, but of fifth place rather than second. They could have shot six clear of the chasing pack with a win last weekend, but earned a point in a 0-0 stalemate against Hamilton.

It was a hard-earned point for a side which was missing four first-team regulars, and had a bench filled with players aged 21 or under. It’s a good reflection of the depth in youth which Maitland has – their Under 20s side is currently at the top of the table.

This match is the second in a tough run home for Maitland, who face all the other teams in the top five in their final five matches this season. A win on Sunday would be huge in their quest to remain inside the top four.

What the coaches said:

Damien Zane (Edgeworth)

“Maitland are doing pretty well despite their injuries, I think they’ve kept three clean sheets in a row. Bolchy’s got his teams pretty organised defensively, they’ll be tough to break down. I know Alex Read is back, Sean Pratt, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Clarkey come on which will add to their attack. We’re expecting a semi-finals type match.

“We weren’t at our best last weekend [in the 2-0 win over Charlestown] but you can’t expect to be good every weekend. One of our trademarks is getting the job done, even when we’re not at our best. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but I thought we were fairly comfortable without being flashy and it’s good to sometimes have those wins.

“To win the comp you’ve got to do that, you can’t be up and play good football every match because the players are only human. They’ve just got to roll their sleeves up, work hard for each other, take our chances and we did that. I’m happy to win whatever way it is.

“Aaron McLoughlin hurt his ankle last week so he’s out. Dylan Holz will be back in, and Josh Evans was on the bench last weekend. He only flew in on the Friday so we weren’t going to risk him unless we were hanging on near the end and needed him on, so he’ll have a full week of training under his belt and be ready to go [this weekend].”

Weston Bears v Valentine Phoenix

Sunday 29^th July, 2:30pm at Rockwell Automation Park

This time last week, this match would have been a clash of the cellar-dwellers but with one side’s rise through the ranks it’s now an opportunity for some momentum.

Valentine has won just once this year, and it was against Weston back in Round 8. The 4-3 victory was a see-sawing affair which saw Valentine go down in the first minute, streak out to a two goal lead, and survive a late scare.

This weekend’s home side looked to be down and out, after their huge and potentially season defining win against Maitland back in Round 12 was followed by four games without a win.

Weston then shocked the competition with a 3-0 with over Charlestown in Round 17, and then last week kept the good times rolling with a 2-1 win over a ten-man Adamstown side.

Sat eighth on the ladder, the Bears could jump even higher if things go their way this weekend. A point on Sunday would mathematically assure they avoid the wooden spoon.

On the other hand, failure to take three points could send the wooden spoon to Valentine and see them finish bottom of the league for the first time since 2013. Unlike that year however, they won’t be relegated to the NEWFM Northern League One.

In order to avoid a similar fate, they’ll need to orchestrate a staggering turnaround in their remaining four matches. They’ve lost their last four matches on the trot, conceding 14 goals along the way.

Five of those goals came last weekend courtesy of Broadmeadow in the 5-0 drubbing at CB Complex. The only team Valentine has beat all season is Weston – can they do it again this weekend?

What the coaches said:

Sam Griffin (Valentine assistant)

“Weston have played themselves into form and have had a couple of good wins in the last two weeks, unfortunately we’re coming up against a team on the up which is not what we want. We want the teams around us to get beat to give us a chance to get out of trouble, but they’re not doing us any favours so we’ll do it the hard way.

“Avoiding last place is pretty significant for us, it’s not a prize that anyone wants to finish the year with so there’s a fair bit of motivation to get ourselves out of trouble. It’s unfortunate, we’ve been playing decent games and getting beat so we’ve got to find another gear to go to.

“It’s just a matter of concentration for most games, for example against Olympic a couple of weeks ago they scored four goals in 15 minutes and then for the rest of the game we were level. It’s those lapses which break us, and we just can’t come back from those kind of things. While we play good football for long periods, it’s about playing it for 95 minutes to get a result.

“Aaron Niyonkuru is in doubt, he had an MRI on Wednesday on his knee which is unfortunate for us. Scott Carter, Zac Sneddon, and Connor Motherway have to get through training on Thursday to be a chance.”

Charlestown City Blues v Adamstown Rosebud

Sunday 29^th July, 2:30pm at Lisle Carr Oval

With the season winding down, the lofty ambitions which Charlestown held at the beginning now hinge on getting results at the back end.

Adamstown will be looking this weekend to secure two wins in as many attempts over Charlestown this season, following their 3-2 win over the Blues back in Round 8.

Last weekend was a tough assignment for Charlestown, and one in which they weren’t able to upset the scales and pinch a win. They went down 2-0 to league-leaders Edgeworth.

Despite a torrid run of form that has seen the Blues pick up one win in their past seven outings, Charlestown still sits just four points off fourth place.

Troop numbers are low for Charlestown with a number of key players out through injury, so just how they’ll approach Sunday’s match will be one to watch. Remember, they have their FFA Cup Round of 32 clash with NPL Victoria side Heidelberg United coming up next Wednesday night.

Adamstown have no such midweek match to contend with in the aftermath of this Sunday’s clash, but they’ll be down on troops this week after two red cards last weekend.

Robbie Turnbull and Ben Higgins were both sent off – Higgins after the final whistle – in the 2-1 loss to Weston which pushed them down into ninth on the ladder.

It means that once again, Rosebud will be without more experienced personnel in the backline. Coach, and occasional player, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff may step into the fray, after starting in the Under 20s 4-3 win last weekend.

Lambton Jaffas and Newcastle Jets Youth played their Round 19 fixture on Tuesday night, with Jaffas winning 3-0.

Broadmeadow Magic has the bye.

Source: northernnswfootball.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Hamilton Olympic 0 drew with Maitland Magpies 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lambton Jaffas had the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

Hamilton Olympic v Maitland Magpies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NPL YOUTH:

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

U13s kick off at 10.00am

U14s kick off at 11.30am

U15s kick off at 1.00pm

U16s kick off at 2.30pm

Newcastle Jets Youth v Lake Macquarie City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adamstown Rosebud v Weston Bears

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlestown City Blues v Edgeworth Eagles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the coaches said
Damien Zane (Edgeworth)

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

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

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

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

Valentine Phoenix v Broadmeadow Magic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lambton has the bye.

source: northernnswfootball.com.au

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

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

source: Tom Tsamouras