HUNTER SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
LINDSAY GREEN
Match of the Round
Adamstown v New Lambton
Sunday 10th June, 2:30pm
Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
Last start: Adamstown beat Wallsend 2-0, New Lambton drew Merewether 2-2
Position on ladder: Adamstown 6th, 4 points; New Lambton 3rd, 15 points
Squad news:
Adamstown are at full-strength while New Lambton are without Joey Burgess due to work commitments.
What the coaches say:
Adamstown coach Paul Devitis said transitions and attacking play have been a big focus at training during the week.
“We have been working hard on transitions and shutting down the oppositions midfield which is really important,” Devitis said.
“Last time we played New Lambton, we gave them too many chances which hurt us massively.”
“I think the key to shutting them down is through their midfield and making sure their strikers don’t have any space.”
“Tara Andrews is a key player for them so we will need to mark her well and make sure we limit their attack if we want to win.”
New Lambton coach Keelan Hamilton says his side is focused on being more effective with the ball.
“We have worked on defending with intensity and showing intent to win the ball,” Hamilton said.
“Every week we need to make sure we need to turn up with the right amount of focus and work ethic.”
“Adamstown has a couple of experienced players and having Lauren Allan up front gives them a lot of strike power.”
“We need to be wary of that and make sure we put in a complete performance to get the three points.”
Bottom line
Adamstown was just starting to find their rhythm but haven’t played in two weeks due to the bye and a washout. A full-strength Adamstown is a scary prospect for New Lambton due to their quality across the park. Strike weapon Lauren Allan has already caused headaches in the league and expect Sunday to be no different. The sheer class of Tara Andrews and Georgia Amess will compensate for the loss of Joey Burgess, but the Eagles will need to be at their best to overcome a resilient Buds defence.
Wallsend v South Wallsend
Sunday 10th June, 2:30pm
The Gardens
Last start: Wallsend lost 7-1 to Warners Bay, South Wallsend beat Thornton 3-2
Position on ladder: Wallsend 4th, 7 points; South Wallsend 5th, 6 points
Squad news
Both teams are expected to be at full-strength with Georgia Little a chance of returning for Wallsend.
What the coaches say
Wallsend coach Marc Hingston is hoping his side can get back to playing good football.
“We have been getting back to basics and working on our first touches and fitness which will make a big difference on Sunday,” Hingston said.
“I think we learnt a lot last time we played South Wallsend and a big thing is putting them to the sword when you have the chance.”
“They are a team that can quickly come back and cause trouble so we need to be wary of that. “
“We need to make the most of our opportunities so we can compete with the top teams and hopefully extend our top four lead.”
South Wallsend coach Brad Parkes is expecting a physical battle.
“It’s another big game for us that we need to win because Wallsend are sitting just in front of us on the ladder,” Parkes said.
“Last time we played Wallsend, they were strong across the park and got the win so hopefully we can turn that around this weekend.”
Bottom line
South Wallsend hasn’t recorded a win over Wallsend since round 15, 2016, which has this match shaping up to be an exciting local derby. Wallsend is coming off the back of a heavy loss to Warners Bay which may produce the strong attacking style the Devils are known for. South Wallsend will be hunting for points in a bid to keep their top four hopes alive. One point separates these two sides on the ladder and there is plenty to play for in what is expected to be a nail biter.
