Match of the Round
Singleton Strikers v Toronto Awaba FC
Howe Park, Saturday 2.30pm
High flying Singleton Strikers and Toronto Awaba face off at Howe Park on Saturday afternoon with the winner to go top of the table.
Last weekend epitomised how tight this year's HIT106.9 Northern League One competition is when the two top teams, Singleton and Toronto both went down 4-3.
Leaders Singleton went 2-0 up against South Cardiff but ultimately lost 4-3.
The Stags had the opportunity to go top of the table the following day but a defiant Wallsend defeated the Stags 4-3.
Singleton and Toronto have been the front runners in this year's competition on 15 and 14 points respectively ahead of Kahibah in third place on 10 points.
However both teams were action in the Australia Cup during the week which will test the depth of their squads.
Toronto Awaba lost 1-0 after extra-time to Belmont Swansea United on Tuesday night and as a result are not likely to know their starting 11 until matchday.
"I'm sure there's a few niggles [from the Australia Cup match after] going into extra time," Stags coach Jarrad Hiles said.
"I'll know more after training but Jarrod Purcell is on vacation and will miss the match.
"Always a tough trip up to Singleton against a very good team with plenty of attacking threats.
"Each and every game is a challenge and we were disappointed with our effort against Wallsend and looking to bounce back on Saturday.”
Singleton took revenge over South Cardiff on Wednesday evening, knocking the Gunners out of the Australia Cup with a clinical 3-0 victory.
Belmont Swansea United v Thornton Redbacks
Blacksmiths Oval, Saturday 4.30pm
After defeating Toronto Awaba 1-0 after extra time in the Australia Cup on Tuesday, Belmont Swansea United are backing up to face the Thornton Redbacks on Saturday afternoon.
Belmont Swansea coach Scott Harvey reflected on the midweek cup victory.
"A very physically intense game, regardless of end result it was a high-quality game from both teams," Harvey said.
"We were hurt as a group and disappointed losing at home last weekend and the Australia Cup performance demonstrated that.
"Great result and a win is a win but we have to be consistent and now move on to this Saturday where points are on the line.
"We have some challenges with availability and injuries across the squad and this gives others opportunities to shine in first grade.
"Not going to give too much away at this point as we need to assess everyone.
"After the midweek cup game we will have sore bodies after 120 minutes of football and a pretty intense game against Westy last weekend.
"Thornton are another challenge this weekend and will be dangerous in transition and set pieces and they always have big bodies going forward trying to disrupt defences.”
Thornton Redbacks narrowly lost 1-0 to Kahibah last week and are amongst a cluster of teams on eight points and capable of beating any team.
Wallsend FC v Cessnock City FC
The Gardens, Sunday 2.30pm
Wallsend will look to continue their good form after toppling high flying Toronto Awaba 4-3 last weekend.
Wallsend are on nine points and in a tight group of teams in the middle of table. Three points would elevate them to the business end of the table.
Wallsend will want to erase their 11-0 Australia Cup defeat to Broadmeadow Magic as they focus on three points in front of their home supporters at The Gardens on Sunday.
Cessnock City went down 6-0 to reigning NPLM NNSW premiers Maitland on Wednesday night and will not know their starting line-up until matchday.
South Cardiff FC v West Wallsend SFC
Ulinga Oval, Sunday 2.30pm
Both teams were in Australia Cup action during the week which will stretch the depth of their squads for Sunday's match at Ulinga Oval.
West Wallsend defeated Belmont Swansea 2-0 last week but were knocked out of the Australia Cup 4-0 by reigning NPLM NNSW champions Lambton Jaffas on Tuesday night.
South Cardiff were eliminated 3-0 by Singleton Strikers who they defeated 4-3 in HIT106.9 Northern League One days earlier.
Kahibah FC have the bye
