Match of the Round
Toronto Awaba v Kahibah
Lyall Peacock, Saturday 4 June 2:30pm
Toronto will be looking to extend their lead at the top when they take on Kahibah.
The league leaders, Toronto Awaba, enter the match on a high note after securing six points from their last two outings. Toronto coach Jarrad Hiles is pleased but not completely satisfied with the side’s form.
"We've been playing some great football in patches, but there's still plenty of room for improvement,” Hiles said.
“Kahibah poses a significant challenge with their strong and deep squad. There's still a long way to go in the season, and we can expect twists and turns along the way.”
Toronto will still be without Noah Fittler and Peter McPherson for a couple of weeks due to injury. Additionally, Zane Winslade will be out this weekend, which is a major setback as he has played a crucial role in their successful campaign thus far.
Kahibah also go into the match with confidence, having secured victories in their last three matches, including a resilient 2-0 win over South Cardiff on the road.
Kahibah coach Mat Moncrieff eagerly anticipates the road-trip encounter against the league leaders.
“We are excited to travel to Toronto on Sunday and take on the team that is the best in the competition. They play good football and comfortably beat us in the 1st round,” Moncrieff said.
“Toronto have some potent attackers in Purcell and Roberts backed up by some young workhorses in the midfield to be the best attack in the comp we need to shut them down if we are to get anything out of the game.
“We are looking forward to the challenge, when you are playing against the leaders on their home turf the pressure is on them.”
Kahibah expects to field an unchanged squad from last week but will still be missing Jamie Hadlow, Riley Ferguson, and Ben Higgins due to injury.
West Wallsend v Singleton Strikers
Johnston Park, Saturday 4 June 2:30pm
West Wallsend will be looking to continue their winning form when they challenge Singelton Strikers on Saturday.
After clocking up four consecutive victories the only thing that could stop West Wallsend was their bye last weekend.
West Wallsend's rich form has resulted in the side moving up the table into fourth position and now challenging for the premiership.
The Singleton Strikers defeated Wallsend 2-0 last weekend to remain in second on the table with 25 points, just four points off Toronto at the top.
Wallsend v Thornton Redbacks
The Gardens, Saturday 4 June 2:30pm
Both teams will be out for three points when Wallsend takes on Thornton Redbacks on Saturday.
The Thornton Redbacks put an end to their winless streak with a notable 3-1 victory over the Cessnock City Hornets last weekend.
This triumph has pumped confidence and reinvigorated their campaign for the 2023 season.
Wallsend finds themselves in a rut of form, having suffered three losses and a draw in their previous four matches.
Eager to turn their fortunes around, Wallsend will be determined to secure a much-needed victory.
Both teams have previously demonstrated their ability to defeat the top sides in the league, and they will be looking to recapture that form in this upcoming match.
South Cardiff v Cessnock City Hornets
Ulinga Oval, Saturday 4 June
South Cardiff will be looking to bounce back against a struggling Cessnock side on Saturday.
South Cardiff started the season strongly, but their recent form has taken a dip, resulting in just one point from their last four matches.
This slump has impacted their position on the ladder, sitting sixth on the table.
South Cardiff still boasts an impressive goal-scoring record, with 33 goals netted so far this season. The side’s attacking prowess remains one of the best in the league.
The Hornets will aim to rejuvenate their campaign and recapture the form they displayed in Round 10 when they secured a 2-1 victory over the Strikers.
They will look to build on that success and regain momentum in their upcoming match.
Belmont Swansea - Bye