Avondale FC 1-2 Broadmeadow Magic
Broadmeadow Magic had the odds stacked against them when they travelled to Avenger Park on Saturday, but they delivered the result those in northern NSW knew they were capable of, defeating competition heavyweights Avondale FC 2-1.
Avondale hit the ground running, forcing a double save from Noah James inside the opening minute but Magic refused to let the hosts build momentum.
Magic struck in the second minute when Ezra Palombini was fouled inside the penalty area by Avondale’s Blake Carpenter. Jarred Baker stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to give his side an early 1-0 lead.
As Broadmeadow took control of the opening stages, Avondale found an equaliser in the 19th minute. A superb cross picked out Niyah Joseph, who rose unmarked to head home and level the scores at 1-1.
Avondale created the better chances for the remainder of the first half but Magic’s defensive resilience kept them in the contest, with James producing several vital saves to ensure the sides went into the break level.
Broadmeadow looked likely to reclaim the lead in the 56th minute when James Cresnar found space just inside the penalty area, only to see his effort strike the post.
Avondale continued to push for their first lead of the match, with efforts in the 67th and 76th minutes forcing James into outstanding saves amid goalmouth scrambles.
But Magic’s persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Baker capitalised on an Avondale error. He surged forward, entered the penalty area and fired the ball into the back of the net to restore Broadmeadow’s advantage and complete his brace.
The hosts pressed for a late equaliser in the closing stages but Magic held firm to secure a memorable 2-1 victory and all three points.
Baker’s brace lifted Magic to five points and the top of Group B, already surpassing the points tally they managed across their entire 2025 campaign.
Broadmeadow Magic coach Jim Cresnar was pleased with his side’s disciplined team performance, highlighting their ability to execute the game plan and capitalise on transition opportunities.
"It was a tremendous effort, not just individual but an overall team performance," Cresnar said.
"We stuck to our game plan and waited for those opportunities. So as a coach and as a club, we're very thrilled with the way we're playing at the moment."
Cresnar wanted to see his side use their pace on the counterattack and they did just that to secure their two goals.
"As a result of us doing that, we pretty much scored two goals. The first goal was a penalty but it was a good example of swinging the ball in transition moments and breaking really quickly," Cresnar said.
"It was the same for Jarred Baker's second goal, where you put pressure on the ball and transition really quickly. It was a good indication of how we want to play."
Cresnar admitted he did not think his side performed better than they did against Wests APIA in round one but was thrilled with the way their confidence continues to grow.
"It's just about confidence and building on what we've achieved," Cresnar said.
"It's not that I thought we played better against Avondale. I know at times we didn't keep the ball as well compared to the APIA match but I felt we created similar opportunities compared to Avondale.
"It shows that we're more confident on the board. We're also a lot more patient without the ball as well."
James praised his side’s work ethic and togetherness, highlighting the pride they took in representing northern NSW as underdogs.
“We’re a tight-knit bunch of boys; we fight for each other. They [Avondale] were the favourites, we were the underdogs and we love that, as we showed last week,” James told Australian Championship media.
“This week we got all three points and I can’t thank the boys enough. They’re huge, they’re massive. It was unbelievable.
“Our plan is to expose the region and we’ve got a great team. Good footballers, good lads and we want to do the region proud. We are at the moment and hopefully it keeps going.
James highlighted the strong bond within the squad, praising the team spirit and togetherness that continues to drive their performances week after week.
"It's probably the best [dressing room] I've ever been in at any level," James said.
"They're an outsanding bunch of boys and it shows every week with how much we fight for each other and how much we want to win together."
Broadmeadow will look to continue their reign at the top when they welcome Adelaide City FC to Magic Park on Friday 30 October.