Match of the Round
Thornton Redbacks 0-2 Singleton Strikers
Two wins, six points and a dream debut from 18-year-old Callan Hungerford put Singleton on top of Northern League One after two rounds.
The three-pronged attack of Hungerford, Joe Civello and Joel Barner wreaked havoc with the Thornton defence at Pasadena Oval on Friday night.
The attacking trio rotated positions creating space with overlapping runs and headaches for defenders on which player to mark.
Hungerford is a product of the Singleton youth system and he repaid the faith of coach Mick Jarvis by opening the scoring.
Barner came close to scoring on several occasions but it was Civello who doubled the lead and sealed the three points to send the Strikers top of the table, ahead of Toronto Awaba on goal difference.
The dream start has made Jarvis a very many happy man but he was not getting carried away.
“Pasadena Oval is one of the smaller pitches in the comp. I think it's only about 45 metres wide, so were quite conservative in what we did,” Jarvis said.
“We didn't overplay, didn't want to do anything spectacular, simple ground football making sure we did the small things right and make them pay for it in the final third.
"We had to adapt to the conditions so our passing had to be shorter and sharper, most keepers can kick three quarters of the field.
“I was really happy with our football and we did it as a team.”
Jarvis was full of praise for Hungerford’s first grade debut.
“Callan Hungerford had a sensational debut and scored our first goal,” Jarvis said.
“He’s come up through the youth system and reserves and played his first 90 minute in first grade.
“He's only 18 but he's been scoring goals every week in reserve grade so we brought him up to give him an opportunity.
“He scored from a bicycle kick six yards out which smashed into the roof of the net to get us off the mark.
“The boys celebrated around him and made it one to remember.
“Joe Civello scored again this week to double the lead. He's probably our most experienced player. You know what you’re going to get with Joe, he turns up in the right places and has lots to offer.
“Our plan was to try and start the season well. I'm sure that’s everybody's plan but to get the points on the board earlier, especially away from home.
“Callan Hungerford was sensational, for a young lad to come in and really make a mark. He responded to the physical challenge and was dominant.
“I rotate my forwards. They all rotated between the left, centre and right. Pretty much we played a bit of striker, Joe Civello was sensational, excellent and got another goal.
“Joel Barner had a great game he would pop up on the left and right the only thing that surprised me was that Joel didn't get on the score sheet. Joel is one of the best strikers in the comp.
“The Redbacks bolstered their defence and made it difficult for us. My plan was to put them under pressure at every opportunity. We just kept constant pressure on the ball and I'm very happy with the clean sheet which is always good.
“Our goalkeeper Corey Cleaver also had a very good game.”
West Wallsend SFC 2-1 Kahibah FC
West Wallsend bounced back from last week’s loss to defeat Kahibah 2-1 at Johnston Park on Friday night.
West Wallsend coach Geoff Blomfield’s was pleased with the victory over last year’s third-placed team as Westy build momentum.
“A good win, a hard match against an experienced footy side,” Blomfield said.
“Last week I thought we were good as well, unlucky going down to 10 men playing 80 minutes with that.
“I think we deserved more last week but it gave us something to build on. We have had a good pre-season so and they're buying into what the coaching staff are giving them so far.
“Young Jake Bower has been through our pathways right through from the juniors through our under-18s, reserve grade and into first grade.
“Jake scored a cracking goal, we could have had a couple more in normal open play but didn’t convert. At least we're creating.
“Josh Carroll scored a second from the penalty spot, the referee made him take it twice but he wasn’t going to miss.
“All 11 of our players had a good game, we had a plan and we all stuck to it, a great team effort.
“We are looking forward to the derby against Wallsend next week for sure.”
Wallsend FC 3-3 Belmont Swansea United
After a scoreless first half, the gloves came off in the second half as Wallsend FC and Belmont Swansea United shared a six-goal thriller at The Gardens on Sunday.
Wallsend coach Michael Gatt was delighted with his team’s fortitude, rallying from 2-0 down against last year’s champions.
“A great battle from both sides. BelSwans went up 2-0 in the first 10 mins of the second half,” Gatt said.
“We came back to 2-2 with goals from Tunde Modiu and the second goal by Will Stevenson.
“BelSwans scored again in the 70th minute then we scored again in the 80th through Lucas Egge.
“The boys gave everything they had, it was a great game to watch. The effort from my boys definitely made for one proud coach.
“A great starting point going into the derby this week with a few sore boys that's for sure.”
Last year’s champions Belmont Swansea have drawn their opening two fixtures which is a testament to the strength of the competition.
The opening two rounds have blown the competition wide open with several teams in the hunt.
BelSwans coach Joshua Rufo was pleased with the effort but not the result.
“Overall it was a really poor performance from us in both boxes,” Rufo said.
“I cannot fault the work rate of the players in very hot conditions but we were sloppy with the ball and wasted lots and lots of chances and defensively was poor.
“Full credit to the opposition for the way they battled and scrapped.”
Cessnock City Hornets 1-4 Toronto Awaba
Two goals from Jarrod Purcell and Nick Roberts put the icing on the cake to send the Toronto Awaba joint top of Northern League One after two rounds.
The Hornets went down to 10 men after 10 minutes at Turner Park on Sunday and with their backs against the wall, fought a gallant uphill struggle.
“We led 2-1 at half-time, Cessnock did well but our one-man advantage told in the second half in very hot conditions,” Toronto Awaba coach Jarrod Hiles said.
“Happy with two wins to start the season but we have South Cardiff on Friday night, that will be a good test to see where we're at.”
