Match of the Round
Toronto Awaba FC v Belmont Swansea United
Lyall Peacock Field, Saturday 2.30pm
High-flying Toronto Awaba host last year's champions Belmont Swansea United at Lyall Peacock Oval on Saturday.
The undefeated Stags are in second place on the table and may have the opportunity to go top if Singleton slip up at Wallsend.
But match predictions have proved difficult with every team capable of winning.
"Definitely looking forward to the match against Belswans," Toronto Awaba coach Jarrad Hiles said.
"We weren't at our best on Saturday [in the 3-3 draw against Thornton Redbacks] and I know the boys are very keen to get back out there and give a good account of themselves.
"I'm not happy conceding seven goals in our last two games and that's an area we need to greatly improve this weekend.
"I'm sure BelSwans will be eager for a good performance after their loss to South Cardiff last weekend.
"Definitely a very tight competition where if you don't turn up with the right attitude you'll be punished against any team in the competition.”
The Stags have Nick Roberts returning from suspension with no other injury worries.
After last week's setback against South Cardiff, Belmont Swansea coach Joshua Rufo knows how competitive this year's Hit106.9 Northern League One is.
"We are looking forward to the next match and we know it's going to be a really competitive opponent that we are up against," Rufo said.
"Any team can beat any team which I think is healthy for the league.
"The key is to approach each week as it comes and aim for consistent performances."
BelSwans go into the match with a clean bill of health and no injuries.
Kahibah FC v South Cardiff FC
Kahibah Oval, Saturday 3.30pm
There will be goals galore if the form book is anything to go by when Kahibah hosts South Cardiff on Saturday.
Last week Kahibah scored seven and South Cardiff scored six with Kahibah Oval to host a showdown between the league's top scoring teams.
But Kahibah had midweek business in the Australia Cup to negotiate first, eliminating Zone League One club Hamilton Azzurri thanks to a 4-2 victory at Kahibah Oval on Wednesday night.
"We [played] midweek in the Australia Cup so we will have to wait and see how we pull through that but no injuries of concern from the weekend," Kahibah coach Mat Moncrieff said.
"As good as we were in front of goals last week our defence was solid and impact off the bench super, we will be looking for much the same this weekend.
"South Cardiff have had some good results to start the season and obviously have some attacking threats. It will be a good challenge for us and one that we are looking forward to.”
The mood in the South Cardiff camp is buoyant but coach Perry Mellon knows what lies ahead.
"Kahibah will be strong on their own turf," Mellon said.
"They've been together for a couple seasons now but we are looking forward to testing ourselves against a top three side from last season.
"The mood amongst the lads at the moment is super positive. They are really enjoying their football and working hard for each other which is definitely helping our results.
"The squad will be the same as last week.”
Wallsend FC v Singleton FC
The Gardens, Sunday 2.30pm
This fixture could not come quick enough for Wallsend coach Michael Gatt.
"Definitely looking forward to it. Last weekend's game still causing nightmares and the lads are dying to make amends," Gatt said.
"Obviously Singo are lighting the way at the moment.
"The challenge is always great with them, we have had some great games with them so looking forward to it.
"We have no injuries and no one returning this week.”
Singleton are sitting pretty at the top of the table with an unblemished record of nine points from three games.
Last week's bye was an opportunity to reflect on the season so far and put in some hard yards.
"The bye was good to freshen up the bodies," Singleton coach Mick Jarvis said.
"The week consisted of a video session to review recent performance plus a heavy load Thursday to replace the weekend off.
"We welcome back a few lads this week so should be good to go.”
Cessnock City FC v Thornton Redbacks FC
Turner Park, Sunday 7.10pm
It was the Redbacks' best performance of the season last weekend, a 3-3 draw against Toronto Awaba and a platform for Redbacks coach Gary Wand to build from.
Wand will welcome the cooler temperatures on Sunday night after relinquishing the lead three times against the Stags in the hot sun.
"Hopefully can build from the Toronto game," Wand said.
"Cessnock are always a tough game at home. Sunday evening kick-off is unusual but at least it should be better playing conditions.
"We should have two [players] back but might have two out with injuries.”
Cessnock City coach Brad Miles had to juggle an Australia Cup tie with Zone Premier League club University of Newcastle FC which the Hornets won 10-0 at Turner Park on Wednesday night.
"We have a cup match, I will rest a few players from that but it's just about managing the workload this week and we will be keen and ready to go on Sunday against Thornton,” Miles said.
"Gary always has his team up for our clash and we are looking forward to it.
"There will no changes for Sunday at this stage.”
West Wallsend SFC have the bye
