Maitland FC and Weston Bears will represent northern NSW in the Hahn Australia Cup national round of 32.
The NPL Men’s NNSW clubs won their respective seventh preliminary round matches on Wednesday to book their spots in the final rounds of the 2026 competition. It will be Weston’s second consecutive year in the round of 32, while Maitland returns for the first time since 2019.
Maitland downed Kahibah FC 4-0 at Cooks Square Park on Wednesday night, with captain Braedyn Crowley scoring two goals in a four-minute spell.
Crowley gave Maitland the lead in the 22nd minute before doubling the advantage just four minutes later. Kahibah's hopes of a comeback were dealt a major blow in the 57th minute when captain Robbie Turnbull received his second yellow card and was sent off.
Daniel McFarlane capitalised on the one-man advantage, extending Maitland's lead to 3-0 two minutes later.
Kahibah were reduced to nine players in the 89th minute when goalkeeper Issac Quinn was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the penalty area. With outfield player Tyson Masters forced into goal, Angus Muddle capped off the victory by slotting home Maitland's fourth and final goal.
Weston and Edgeworth Eagles played out a thrilling contest on Wednesday night, with the sides locked at 0-0 for much of the match.
Edgeworth goalkeeper Ben Conway produced a series of superb saves to deny a persistent Weston outfit throughout the first half.
While Edgeworth gained momentum in the second half, it was Weston's Brock Beveridge who ultimately proved the difference, breaking the deadlock in the 75th minute to send the Bears through to the round of 32.
Weston has qualified for the Hahn Australia Cup round of 32 for the second straight year after making their maiden appearance on the national stage last year. Maitland, meanwhile, returns to the competition for the first time since 2019.
Maitland and Weston will also face each other in the NNSWF’s Men’s State Cup final on the weekend of 1 August.
The day will also see community clubs Warners Bay FC and Pottsville Beach FC go head-to-head in the Men’s Community Plate Final, contested by the highest-ranked clubs from outside the NPL Men’s NNSW and HIT106.9 Northern League One competitions that progressed furthest in the Hahn Australia Cup Northern and Southern Conferences.
NNSWF General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley congratulated the clubs on their outstanding achievement.
“Maitland and Weston are two outstanding clubs within our region, and we’re thrilled they will have the opportunity to showcase themselves on the national stage,” Bentley said.
“The Men’s State Cup final and Community Plate final will also provide a fantastic platform for two premier clubs and two community teams to showcase their talent to the wider football community.
“We wish them every success in the next stage of the competition as they proudly represent northern NSW on the national stage.”
The Hahn Australia Cup 2026 round of 32 will be played over two weeks in mid to late July.
Hahn Australia Cup 2026 Round of 32 Live Draw
Date: Football Australia will confirm the date in the coming days
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