HIT106.9 Northern League One Round 18 Preview: Desperate scramble for finals comes down to last day

Match of the Round

New Lambton FC v Cessnock City Hornets
Alder Park, Sunday 2.30PM

New Lambton will cap off a dominant season when they host Cessnock City on Sunday.

Despite already wrapping up their third consecutive Northern League One premiership, a win for New Lambton is optimal heading into finals football. Especially after a physical 2-2 draw with Kahibah last weekend, which left a few players wounded.

New Lambton came out firing in the second half the last time the two teams clashed, with four goals to win 5-0. So there will be no excuse for Tom Davies’ side who will have the first week of the finals off as reward for winning the premiership.

"The boys are pretty excited,” Davies said.

“Last game of the regular season at home, so in terms of what the day means for the club, it's going to be important. We'll have to change a few things in terms of the pretty physical game against Kahibah on the weekend. [We] got a few knocks and injuries from that, so we'll be making changes and give some people opportunities.

“Dom Smith will probably be out this weekend with an injury. Dylan [Bozinovski] is probably out as well with a tackle he was involved in during the second half [against Kahibah].

"We need to be a little more focused over the whole game. Positionally we could have been better. We were sloppy with the ball in terms of passing and possession, which we'll focus on [this week]. But we didn't give up like we have been all season. But hopefully everyone steps up and puts in a more holistic, team performance. That is the main thing [for us].

“Cessnock will come with something to prove in terms of the last time we played them. Hopefully it will be a good day for us.”

Cessnock have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the season. But stints of inconsistency have hindered the final position for the young Hornets, all but wrapping up ninth place unless they can pull off a miracle at the Nest on Sunday.

Hornets coach Brad Miles hoped his side could piece the puzzle together on Sunday and put in one last, memorable performance for the season.

“The boys will have to be at their best against the table toppers in all areas of our game which we have worked extremely hard on all season,” Miles said.

“We have a couple of outs due to work commitments but we have come a long way this season and there is no better test than playing the best and we are looking forward to it.”

Belmont Swansea United v Singleton Strikers
Blacksmiths Oval, Sunday 2.30PM

A win could secure finals football for Singleton Strikers when they make the mighty hike to Blacksmiths Oval to face Belmont Swansea United.

Singleton are fifth, three points in front of West Wallsend. A resulting victory could guarantee a top five spot before playing the Bluebells next Wednesday night.

But victory against Belswans will not be so simple. Finishing second already with the second-best defensive record and possessing the competition’s top goal scorer in their ranks, Belswans are aiming for a big win after their 0-0 draw with West Wallsend last weekend.

"We're looking definitely to get a result with our best team possible on Old Boys’ Day at Blacksmiths,” Belswans coach Mick Stafford said.

"It was probably my favourite win of the season, winning up there against Singleton. They're a very tough side to play and that win gave us a lot of momentum into where we are at the moment and we'll definitely have to have our best game on Sunday to defeat them because they are a tough side to play.

"Momentum is very important at this time of the year. We played a trial game against Edgeworth on the weekend, which maintained that momentum. We’ve just got to put away our chances. We're creating so many chances at the moment, which is super. But if we can start putting them away more often, I think we'll go pretty well."

As with all eligible sides, Belswans must use this game to transition into a more deadeye train of thought and application when stepping onto the pitch if they want to go far in the finals. Potential golden boot recipient Kane Woolston is one player they need to step up.

"Kane deserves all the credit for his 15 goals [so far],” Stafford said.

“He is a key part of our team, a really good bloke and a great team player and I couldn't be more proud of him. If he receives the golden boot for the second year in a row, it'd be great for him, the club and the playing group.

"But [the mindset] will be to get our structure right, disciplined in key areas, looking to move the ball to how we want to play and staying positive and enjoying the moment ahead of a tough semi-final clash.”

Corey Wilson is the only player unavailable through suspension. But Clayton Poole, Kaleb Pearson, and Brendan Hall will all return for Belswans heading into finals.

It is stressful times at Singleton. Despite being in the top five, the Strikers were forced to wait on West Wallsend’s midweek 0-0 draw against Kahibah to get an impression of their current state heading into their final two games. Including against West Wallsend in a game next Wednesday night after the rest of the teams have completed their seasons.

"We know [Belswans] are a tough side but it's getting to that part of the season where everyone's just looking to tighten everything up,” Singleton coach Mick Jarvis said.

“You can see by the draws on the weekend and over the last couple of weeks with all the tight games. Everyone's at the pointy end of the season where they know what works for them and what doesn't. And we're the same, so it's a matter of who executes their style of football the best this weekend.

"Both sides are very handy up front. We've got a lot of speed and quality up front, as do they. It’s going to come down to all those little one per centres and it's either going to be a very exciting, attacking game, or the opposite end of the scale with teams sitting on their heels and trying not to concede.

"We did a pretty decent job on [Kane Woolston] but the problem with that is it frees up [Cameron Lodge] and the rest. They have quality across the pitch that if you overcompensate on one player, they will hurt you somewhere else and we saw that last time."

"We've got two games where we need to win one of them to get us finals. It'll be nice to get the job done this weekend to get the weight off the shoulders."

Singleton have one significant out in Lachie Nicol, who is serving a suspension.

While Belswans secured second place last weekend, Singleton Strikers can potentially move up to third with their last two games depending on other results but can also drop out of the top five into sixth with two losses.

Kahibah FC v Wallsend FC
Kahibah Oval, Sunday 2.30PM

Kahibah only need to win or draw against Wallsend on Sunday to secure a crucial top three spot, putting the Rams in the precious qualifying final.

But for that scenario to come to fruition, they must pick up points against a confident Wallsend FC.

Two wins from their last two matches will give the Red Devils complete confidence in front of a bustling Kahibah Oval crowd for Kahibah’s Old Boys’ Day.

"We'll be going into it no different,” Wallsend coach Mick Gatt said.

“The week off last week came at the worst [time]. We were building momentum and everything was going the right way. But if we go into Sunday like we did the last couple of days, we should be right.

"[The passion] is still out there. The late loss to Kahibah last time at Speers Point still rings with a few boys and me, so they're out to make amends for that. But they're obviously in good stride.

“It would have been good to play last weekend to keep that momentum going. But it’s been good in some ways for the boys to get rid of a few niggles and a few injuries and whatever else. Hopefully we'll have a full squad.

"It's the last game of the season for us and hopefully we end with another big one."

Kahibah have experienced a favourable season and can secure a top three spot with any sort of points over Wallsend. Rams coach Mat Moncrieff believes his side can take away a win in front of a potentially crammed Kahibah Oval for Old Boys’ Day.

"[Wallsend] gave us a really good game in the first round and they've had some decent results since,” Moncrieff said.

“It's going to be our Old Boys’ Day and most of the former players at the club are going to be at the ground, so the boys will be wanting to put on a really good show, as we need to win [or draw] to make top three.

“We're just hoping the boys keep rolling on with the decent form we've had in the last few games. It's a Wallsend team that have got nothing to lose and I'm sure they'll be happy to cost us third place or whatever they need to do to finish their season on a high.

Wallsend will have a full selection of players to choose from for their final game. Kahibah will hopefully also but it depends on how they pull up after Wednesday’s night 0-0 draw with West Wallsend.

Kahibah only need a win or draw to secure third. But a surprise loss to Wallsend mean they could drop down to fifth depending on other results.

Toronto Awaba FC v Thornton Redbacks
Lyall Peacock Field, Sunday 2.30PM

Toronto Awaba will be eager to get a result against Thornton to confirm a top five spot this weekend, with the Redbacks’ season over in terms of what is at stake.

The Stags have not enjoyed a pretty run into the last round, only picking up one win and one draw in their previous five games. Even the win was not the most appealing, only surpassing Cessnock 2-1.

But coming off an intense 3-3 draw and being Old Boys’ Day at Lyall Peacock Field, Toronto must display a strong performance leading into finals.

"[It is a] massive game,” Toronto coach Jarrad Hiles said.

“We're always going to go and look to play footy and win the match. But Thornton are a pretty dangerous team, especially set pieces and corners and things like that, which is one thing we have to tidy up on defending set pieces. I guess the instructions will be no silly fouls or anything around the edge of the box, so we'll work hard on that.

“But hopefully we can be a bit more ruthless in front of goals, finish some chances and get some goals to put the nerves away. It's our Old Boys’ Day, too, so hopefully we'll have a few boys down there from past years to give them something to cheer about.

"[Against Thornton earlier in the season] I thought we controlled possession quite well and had the better of the play. Again, there were some silly mistakes and they scored from a set piece. But it was an even game. It's always pretty even with any team in this league. We'll go there confident that we can do the job, hopefully, walk away with three points and live to fight to play again next week.

"We’ve just got to win. But nothing's ever handed to you. You’ve got to earn it."

With goalkeeper Drew Olsen back, it is a full cast for Toronto heading into the decisive game.

Thornton coach Gary Wand acknowledges his side’s season is well over but it will not stop the Redbacks from giving any less than they have over the course of the season.

"I don't really know [what to say] other than it's a little bit of a case of 'thank God, it's the last game for us,” Wand joked.

“But I’m looking forward to it and hopefully we get a win and make it hard for Toronto, who have been struggling a bit [recently].

"We just want to try to finish the [season] on a high. I'm sure it's going to be on because Toronto will certainly want to win as well and we have a couple of guys out. Trent Partridge is out and Blake Thompson and Jake Millsteed are also out, so we're far from a full squad.

"[The team] want to try and do well every time they play, so they'll be keen. We've been in the same situation as Toronto before and we know all the pressure is on them, poor buggers. Our blokes will be keen to try and upset them as it’s always hard playing with pressure sometimes.

"It'll be nice to finish on a win."

Toronto can finish as high as third but they can also still finish sixth. A win or draw will confirm a place in the finals.

Thornton can finish anywhere between sixth and eighth.

South Cardiff FC v West Wallsend SFC
Ulinga Oval, Sunday 2.30PM

West Wallsend have handed themselves the not-so-simple task of needing two wins from two games if they want any chance of making finals, starting with South Cardiff away at Ulinga.

In such dire circumstances, the Bluebells have been rock solid defensively but seem to have lost their shooting boots. They ended their two most recent games in 0-0 draws against Belswans and Kahibah.

West Wallsend coach Darren Sills said before the Wednesday night clash against Kahibah that it was critical his team comes away with nine points during their final three games.

"Looking forward to playing at Ulinga. It's an old club I used to be at,” Sills said.

“Hard place to go and I don't think the track there is great at the moment. As far as numbers, we'll be as full strength as we can be pending on what happens [against Kahibah].

"At this stage, we don't deserve finals and I don't subscribe to the theory that we've got the worst of it [in terms of fixtures and rescheduling]. My train of thought is we are a very experienced side, yet we can't put ourselves in a position to win games against weaker sides.

“That's got nothing to do with anything but lack of desire and lack of wanting to be there and be in those semi-finals. So, do we deserve to be there? No, definitely not at this stage. Win our next [two] games well then there's a case that yes, we should be there.

"But we've got to get the semi-finals. I know what this team is capable of. You can motivate blokes all you can, but at the end of the day, the motivation sometimes needs to come from within.

“There are a couple of very experienced guys that do that. They're professionals and know how to motivate themselves and get up for a game. Still, we need other guys on the park to start lifting themselves and lifting those guys around them. Until that happens, we're going to see these spasmodic results, which unfortunately put us in a position like this."

Goals are a must for West Wallsend. With the experience of Josh Carroll, Josh Maguire and Tyler Rankmore, among many more attackers, Sills said there was no excuse why his team could not punish teams with goals.

"Attack. We need to score goals to win games,” Sills said.

“We’re going to be attacking. We put ourselves in this position which, with all due respect, poor performances against sides lower in the table put ourselves in that position. We have no one else to blame but ourselves to get out of it. The only way to get out of it is to win games of football and to do that we need to score goals."

South Cardiff have no problems on the attacking front after their 3-3 draw with Toronto last weekend but must tighten up at the back if they want to distress a lacklustre West Wallsend attack.

"It's the final game for us, at home. We're looking to go out with a bang and get a victory,” Gunners coach Scott Taylor said.

"We bounced back from the week before [against Toronto]. We didn't know how we would go with the number of players we had out and I don't think it gets much better this week. But it was back to the wall last Sunday and I think we did ourselves proud and were unlucky not to come away with the victory in the end.

“Going into this week, we'll take the same attitude and try to convert the opportunities we create. Obviously, Westy still have a chance for semi-finals, so we know they’re going to be up for it but we're not going just turn up and lie down, that's for sure.

"Last time against Westy, we were slow out the blocks and they caught us on the counter. So we know they're going to be tough but we're up for it.

"Hopefully we can finish a very frustrating season on a high."

West Wallsend can still finish as high as fourth depending on other results but must at least take a draw against South Cardiff and a big win over Singleton to qualify for the elimination final.