Match of the Round
Kahibah FC v Belmont Swansea United
Kahibah Oval, Sunday 2.30pm
One point separates sixth-placed Kahibah and fourth-placed Belmont Swansea United heading into the match of the round at Kahibah Oval on Sunday.
There is a logjam on the Northern League One table, with just three points separating third-placed South Cardiff and last-placed Thornton.
Kahibah are fully rested after last week's bye and one point adrift of rivals BelSwans.
But with fierce competition for first grade places, Kahibah coach Mat Moncrieff did not need a week off.
"Always a tough battle when we play BelSwans," Moncrieff said.
"We have had a lot of close battles in recent years as we did in round one this season.
"We are playing some good football for the most part of games and we are looking forward to this weekend.
"BelSwans are a very physical team and we will be prepared for them.
"We didn't really need the week off. Our numbers are good and have plenty in reserve grade pushing for a first grade spot. They are all eager to get on the field this Sunday.”
Belmont Swansea defeated Thornton last weekend to surge into fourth on the table with 11 points.
While Blacksmith Oval is becoming a fortress, BelSwans coach Scott Harvey wants to extend that form to away matches.
"We still have a couple of injury concerns and building minutes for a couple returning from long term layoffs but we get Daniel Bryant back in goals after he missed the Thornton game with illness," Harvey said.
"Can't fault our intensity and work ethic at present but we need to produce it away from home and earn points on the road.
"Always hard to play at Kahibah on their small bumpy pitch but we won't be changing the way we play.
"The Kahibah spies were out last weekend so they must be worried about what we bring.
"As always there will be no love lost and we are ready for the grind in both grades.”
Singleton Strikers v Cessnock City FC
Howe Park, Saturday 2.30pm
After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Toronto Awaba last weekend, Singleton’s philosophy of discipline and focus is their solution to victory.
The Strikers are wounded after losing their position at the top of the table so three points will be just the tonic for Mick Jarvis' men.
Cessnock City have shown glimpses of magic but have been plagued with inconsistency.
In round six the Hornets defeated Kahibah 2-1 and backed up the following week defeating South Cardiff 3-2.
But it was back to the drawing board last weekend after a 6-3 defeat to Wallsend.
West Wallsend SFC v Toronto Awaba FC
Johnston Park, Sunday 2.30pm
Toronto Awaba catapulted to the top of HIT106.9 Northern League One after knocking Singleton Strikers off their perch with a 3-0 victory last weekend.
West Wallsend are in good goal scoring form having scored five goals in their last two matches.
In round eight Westy defeated BelSwans 2-0 and last week shared the points in a 3-3 draw with South Cardiff.
South Cardiff FC v Thornton Redbacks FC
Ulinga Oval, Sunday 3.30pm
South Cardiff are top of the goal scoring charts having scored 27 goals from eight matches which is a whooping average of 3.4 goals per game.
True to their goal scoring form, the Gunners defeated Singleton Strikers 4-3 in round eight and shared the points 3-3 with Westy in round nine last week.
Thornton Redbacks have lost their last two matches and will be looking to get their campaign back on track at Ulinga Oval.
South Cardiff coach Perry Mellon knew the dangers the Redbacks would pose.
"Thornton will be a much different prospect this round, a challenge we are looking forward to,” Mellon said.
"We have lightened the squad's workload this week after a big couple of weeks and should have a few players back for Sunday after a month of unavailability and injuries.”
Wallsend FC have the bye