Match of the Round
Singleton Strikers 0-3 Toronto Awaba FC
A pivotal moment in the second half was the catalyst for a sensational 3-0 victory over leaders Singleton on Saturday which sent the Toronto Awaba galloping to the top of HIT106.9 Northern League One.
Stags coach Jarrad Hiles reflected on the win at Howe Park.
"Singleton had the better of the first half, rattling the crossbar and playing some nice football. [But it was] 0-0 at half-time," Hiles said.
"The game changed one minute into the second half when a Singleton player was shown a straight red card.
"Zane Winslade opened the scoring with a terrific effort from just outside the box. Our second goal was scored by Clancy Muddle.
"The third goal was created through a brilliant Harry Relf run who then combined with Clancy Muddle who played in Nick Roberts who finished in fine style.
"A great effort from all the lads.”
Singleton Strikers coach Mick Jarvis said he would focus on consistency and discipline to get the Strikers back on track.
"We dominated the first half as we did versus South Cardiff last weekend," Jarvis said.
"Red card in the 46th [minute] so we had to play the second half with 10 men.
"Consistency with remaining focused and disciplined for the full 90 is what's lacking at the moment. We'll look to address it and get back on track.
"Jackson Skinner was insane at centre back. The goals came from losing the midfield late trying to cover too much ground for too long.
"Two losses from two Northern League One sides we've outplayed is very disappointing.”
Belmont Swansea United 3-1 Thornton Redbacks
Belmont Swansea United defeated Thornton Redbacks 3-1 on Saturday to surge into third place on the table with 11 points.
Belswans coach Scott Harvey provided insights from the dugout at Blacksmiths Oval.
"Good result at the end of a tough seven day stretch for our squad but we had plenty in the tank which is a big positive as we have worked hard on our conditioning over the last month," Harvey said.
"We asserted ourselves early and to our credit we executed our game plan and controlled possession for a large portion of the game.
"Jack Rush and Reece Newton were dynamic in the middle of the park again today but a great effort from our senior squad.
"We managed to capitalise on our good early work this week with a good team goal finished off at the back stick by Joel Nicholson in his first start in first grade this season.
"We still lack that punch in putting away teams. The second half we played some good possession-based football and got the reward off a corner with Mark Finlayson poking one away.
"He got another for us with a bit of luck but confidence creates luck at times and he has it this week with three goals in two games.
"We let a soft goal in off a set piece really late in the game but a positive result for us.”
With a depleted squad Thornton Redbacks coach Gary Wand clutched onto the positives.
"We did really well with what we had," Wand said.
"We could have got a draw if we had taken our chances.
"We lost one of our senior players to injury after 15 minutes as well, so luck wasn't with us either.”
Wallsend FC 5-3 Cessnock City FC
After a sluggish start to the season Wallsend are on fire scoring five goals to defeat Cessnock City 5-3 at The Gardens on Sunday.
Wallsend coach Michael Gatt shared his assessment of the match.
"We went 1-0 up, goal scored by Lucas Egge then Cessnock scored to make it 1-1," Gatt said.
"We then scored through of a set piece headed home by Jakeb Keating. Cessnock equalised to make it 2-2 at half-time.
"After the break Cessnock scored to make it 3-2 then we equalised through Daniel Keelan to make it 3-3.
"We took the lead through Matty Williams and Trent Richards sealed the victory with a late volley to make it 5-3.
"It was a real exciting game that's for sure but the lads have now gained that self belief from winning games through hard work on and off the ball.”
South Cardiff FC 3-3 West Wallsend SFC
A six-goal thriller at Ulinga Oval ended in points being shared and a 3-3 draw on Sunday.
For West Wallsend coach Bailey Cox it was another step in the right direction.
"It was a hard-fought, entertaining game," Cox said.
"I thought we played well for the majority of the game and were a little unlucky with the goals we conceded.
"We created a fair few chances to finish the game off when we were up 3-2 but Southy got the equaliser with not too long to go.
"Proud of the effort the lads have been putting in the last few weeks and can hopefully keep it going into Toronto next week.”
The Australia Cup has stretched South Cardiff but coach Perry Mellon was raring to go again next week against the Redbacks.
"Typical physical game against Westy. Both sides had chances throughout the game, a draw was probably a fair result,” Mellon said.
"Three games in seven days for the boys so we will rest and recharge this week, ready for Thornton next weekend.”
Kahibah FC had the bye