Match of the Round
Belmont Swansea United v Singleton Strikers
Blacksmiths Oval, Saturday 4.30pm
Singleton Strikers are flying high at the top of HIT106.9 Northern League One after scoring a sensational nine goals against Wallsend last Sunday.
The stats are impressive for Singleton with four wins from four games, 14 goals scored and a miserly defence that has only conceded twice.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it is Mick Jarvis’ philosophy, with the Strikers coach hoping to name an unchanged squad following their 5-2 Australia Cup third round victory over Zone League One side Newcastle Croatia on Wednesday night.
"Full squad available versus BelSwans depending on how everyone gets through Australia Cup after three games seven days," Jarvis said.
It is a baptism of fire for new Belmont Swansea's new coach Scott Harvey who will throw everything at the Strikers with the help of a vocal home crowd at Blacksmiths Oval on Saturday.
"Great opportunity to test ourselves against the form team in Northern League One," Harvey said.
"The last two weeks results are disappointing to say the least but the playing and coaching group own it and we are back at home where we have built a great record over last couple of seasons.
"We are a bloody tight squad but we have to work harder as a unit to get the results.
"Singo are always a handful and no doubt they will be physical and I am sure they have done their intel on us.”
Reigning champions Belmont Swansea have had a mixed start to the season with one win, two draws and a loss.
Harvey will welcome back key players as BelSwans look to kickstart their season.
"We are almost back to full strength and great to have Jack Rush back this week.
"In the first few rounds Jack has been our best doing the hard yards in midfield.
"This week's wet weather has hindered our preparation but we can't wait for this game.
"We have been below average at both ends of the park so far this season but there's a lot of football still to be played this season.”
Thornton Redbacks v West Wallsend SFC
Thornton Park, Sunday 2.30pm
Thornton thought they had rediscovered their venom after recording their best result of the season last weekend knocking off the Cessnock City Hornets 3-1.
But the Redbacks suffered a surprise 4-0 defeat to Zone Premier League Dudley Redhead SFC on Wednesday night.
Redbacks coach Gary Wand wants to rewrite the history books against their bogey team West Wallsend.
"Always a tough game versus Westy especially at our home ground where we don't seem to do well against them," Wand said.
"They are coming off a disappointing loss and a bye, so I'm sure they will be raring to go. [We’ve got] no injuries at this stage.”
West Wallsend are fully rested after last weekend's bye and looking to break into the top four after two wins and two losses so far this season.
Wallsend FC v South Cardiff FC
The Gardens, Sunday 2.30pm
Backing up from losses, both teams are looking to bounce back at The Gardens on Sunday with Gallagher Shield points up for grabs.
South Cardiff suffered their first loss of the season going down 4-2 to Kahibah last Saturday.
"Our games against Wallsend always have a bit of spice in them with Gallagher Shield points on the line," South Cardiff coach Perry Mellon said.
"Inevitably they will be keen to turn their recent form around and we need to be prepared for that but we are looking forward to making amends for last week.
"No fresh injury concerns, however we will welcome back [Anthony Carter], Riley [Holohan] and Wes [Pryce] into the squad which is exciting.”
Wallsend need to tighten up urgently having conceded 16 goals in their last two games to sit bottom of the table.
Both sides will have one eye on Australia Cup third round fixtures next week, with Wallsend backing up 24 hours after the clash with South Cardiff to face Zone League One side Bolwarra Lorn JSC on Monday night.
South Cardiff take on Zone Premier League club Westlakes Wildcats on Tuesday night.
Cessnock City Hornets v Kahibah FC
Turner Park, Sunday 2.30pm
With Australia Cup matches adding to this week's workload, teams will not know their full line-ups until matchday.
There is plenty of history between the coaches and the mutual respect oozes.
"We’ve got some sore bodies after three games in seven days but we will be ready to go again on Sunday," Cessnock coach Brad Miles said.
"It's always a tough battle against a quality Kahibah side.
"Mat [Moncrieff] will have them ready to go but we are confident and look forward to the game.
"Clayton Williams is out with a hamstring injury and Kyle Gillis will be away.
"We will bring in Kyle Williams and Jacob Bartlett to replace them.”
Riding high after their 4-2 win over South Cardiff last week, Moncrieff's men are raring to go.
"We have come through the weekend with no major injuries. We may have a few changes this weekend but won't know until after training of Friday," Moncrieff said.
"It's always a daunting prospect playing Cessnock on their home turf. They play a really good brand of football and are a credit to their coach Brad Miles.
"They have some attacking players that can really hurt you, so will be travelling to Cessnock knowing we have to be on our game to compete with them.
"We are looking forward to the challenge in both grades.”
Toronto Awaba FC have the bye.
