Photo: Valentine Sports Photography
Lindsay Green
Match of the Round
Adamstown v Warners Bay
Sunday 25th March 2:30 pm
John Street Oval
Last start: Adamstown beat Thornton 2-1, Warners Bay beat South Wallsend 8-1
Position on the ladder: Adamstown 2nd, 3 points; Warners Bay 1st, 3 points
Squad news
Adamstown will be at full strength, fielding their Round 1 winning side while Warners Bay will be without Sophie Stapleford due to injury.
What the coaches say
Cassidy Davis (Warners Bay)
Player-coach Cassidy Davis says Warners Bay is looking forward to the match after Round 2 was postponed last weekend due to hot conditions.
“It’s usually tough coming back after a weekend off but the girls are excited and can’t wait out get out there,” Davis said.
“It’s always a good contest against Adamstown so we are looking forward to it.”
Paul Devitis (Adamstown)
Adamstown coach Paul Devitis believes “executing the simple things” is the key to winning on Sunday.
“We understand that Warners Bay are a great team with quality players who have played at W-League level,” Devitis said.
“We have been working hard on our transition game and if we can stay tactically disciplined, we are expecting a good battle.”
Bottom line
Warners Bay is heading into the match on top of the ladder after a strong Round 1 performance. Sophie Stapleford is a key player for the Bay who makes pin-point crosses to the box so her loss will be felt. Young Maddi Latter looked promising in Round 1 and should be strong again in goals. The key for the Bay will be opening the field and using the wing to create opportunities. Adamstown may not have ‘big name’ players but they are always competitive. Vocal captain Clare Cummings will lead the team from the back and will be ensuring all attacking play from the hosts is shut down. There isn’t much separating the two sides and whoever scores first will have the advantage.
Merewether v Wallsend
Sunday 25th March 2:30 pm
Arthur Edden Oval
Last start: Merewether had the bye; Wallsend drew 1-1 with New Lambton
Position on ladder: Merewether 5th, nil points; Wallsend 3rd, 1 point
Squad news
Both teams are at full strength with Merewether itching to play their first game of the season.
What the coaches say
Cass Koppen (Merewether)
Merewether coach Cass Koppen says they won’t be taking Wallsend lightly.
“Wallsend will be a changed team under Marc’s guidance and they recruited well in the offseason so we are expecting a tough game.”
Marc Hingston (Wallsend)
Wallsend coach Marc Hingston says the devils are looking forward to playing on a different pitch.
“Over the past month, our training has gone to another level and we can’t wait to get onto a ground that suits our style of football.”
Bottom line
Merewether will be hoping to kick-start their season with a win and will be feeling fresh after two weeks off. Goalkeeper Alison Logue is a key part of United’s defensive structure whilst dynamic duo Grace Macintyre and Rhali Dobson provides pace and strikes power. Wallsend is also strong in attack with fleet-footed Sass Seaborn and Libby-Copus Brown leading the way. Danielle Redding will look to build on a strong Round 1 performance which should result in a tough contest from both sides. Merewether is always consistent and clinical but they will need to be at their very best to win this one.
New Lambton v South Wallsend
Sunday 25th March 2:30 pm
Walker Fields
Last start: New Lambton drew 1-1 with Wallsend, South Wallsend lost 8-1 to Warners Bay
Position on ladder: New Lambton 4th, 1 point; South Wallsend last, nil points
Squad news
New Lambton is without Sarah Bennett due to a knee injury sustained at training on Monday with a replacement still to be decided. Olivia Kennedy and Alesha Clifford will make their first-grade debut for the Wolves’ in an otherwise unchanged lineup.
What the coaches say
Keelan Hamilton (New Lambton)
New Lambton coach Keelan Hamilton believes that “performing with the right level of quality and effort” will hand them the results they want.
“After getting postponed last weekend we are keen to get back on the pitch and improve on our Round 1 performance,” Hamilton said.
“South Wallsend have recruited well in the offseason and will be another tough test for us.
“We are still developing but we are confident of getting the result we want.”
Kevin Farley (South Wallsend)
South Wallsend coach Kevin Farley is hoping to improve after a tough Round 1 loss against Warners Bay.
“We’re looking forward to getting back on the park after the bye last week and it should be a good contest against New Lambton who have recruited well.”
Bottom line
Both sides will be chasing a win in what should be a competitive match. New Lambton has recruited well and have plenty of quality in the ranks but can’t afford to take South Wallsend lightly. Although the Wolves’ were well-beaten in Round 1, they have plenty of skill and experience across the park and will be difficult to contain. A tough match to predict but New Lambton may have the upper hand in this one.
