Match of the Round
Weston Bears v Broadmeadow Magic
Rockwell Automation Park, Sunday 21 May, 2:30pm
The Weston Bears demonstrated their premiership potential with a commanding 3-1 victory over Cooks Hill United last weekend. This result propelled them into second on the table, just two points behind league leaders Charlestown Azzurri.
Coach Kew Jaliens provided an honest assessment of the team's performance, particularly emphasizing their improvement in the second half.
"I told the boys I wasn't happy with the first half. In the second half, we came out better and executed the agreed-upon strategies. I was pleased with the way we controlled the game," Jailens said.
Despite the triumph, the Bears have wasted no time in shifting their focus to the upcoming fixture against Broadmeadow Magic.
"After the game, it was good to have the win, but our focus was already on the Magic," Jailens said.
As the competition reaches its midway point, the Bears aim to avenge their previous loss against Broadmeadow Magic in the first round.
"The team has progressed significantly. In the first round, we were still finding our feet, and the new players had only recently joined us. Alessandro, Connor, and Yuta were still getting accustomed to their positions. Since then, we have grown and gelled as a team,” Jailens said.
Jaliens reiterated the team's week-to-week approach for continuous improvement, including needing to adapt to injuries along the way.
"We don't focus on predictions; we work from week to week and every time try to improve and be better,” Jailens said.
"We've got Roebuck, Wilson, Ouwerkerk, and Clouten out for now, we'll see how they pull up during the week."
Broadmeadow Magic has had mixed results recently but returned to form last weekend with an impressive 5-2 win over Valentine. The victory marked a significant upturn in their performance. With 17 points, they currently occupy sixth spot on the table and will require a win to stay within the chasing pack.
Magic’s Riley Smith entered the race for the Golden Boot after a magnificent hat trick last weekend, bringing his season total to seven goals in the league. Broadmeadow also boasts another top scorer in Jarred Baker, who has netted six goals this season, making them the only team with two players in the top five of the Golden Boot race.
Maitland v Lambton Jaffas
Cooks Square, Saturday 20 May, 3:30pm
The Magpies are soaring high following their commanding 5-0 victory over Adamstown Rosebud. Prolific striker Braedyn Crowley has been in top form, scoring five goals in his last two matches, propelling himself to the top of the Golden Boot race. Currently placed in eighth position with 12 points, Maitland will need to secure three points to stay in touch with the chasing pack.
Lambton Jaffas showcased their goal-scoring prowess with an emphatic 6-0 triumph over Kotara South in the Australia Cup on Tuesday night. The Jaffas' key players delivered outstanding performances, with Kale Bradbery securing a hat-trick as well as contributions from Finn Todhunter, Scott Pettit, and Cody Nancarrow.
Jaffas coach David Tanchevski reflected on the season so far which has been plagued by injuries.
" Pleased with where we are sitting considering seven players out of the grand final squad left after the season," Tanchevski said.
"Like Remington to a season-ending injury first game, Papas has only played four or five games through injury.
"On top of the other injury concerns we have had this year to senior players like Scott Pettit and Matt Hoole.
"We are in touch with the first place and in the top five. It's a tight competition and with the amount of new young boys that have come into the team, I can see that we are getting better through the season, if we can get some better luck with injuries in the second half of the season, hopefully, we can make the finals.
"Last week against Olympic we had out Papas, Piddington, Riley McNaughton, Matt Hole and Pat Bond.
"This week we get back Piddington, McNaughton, and Bond but Papas will do a fitness test on Thursday," Tanchevski said.
The match-up between last year's premiers and grand final winners promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Edgeworth v Newcastle Olympic
Jack McLaughan Oval, Saturday 20 May, 5:30pm
Edgeworth showcased their strengths last weekend with a resolute 1-1 draw against league leaders Charlestown Azzurri.
The team's performance drew praise from Edgeworth coach Peter McGuinness, especially considering the fixture pile-up and lack of time for recuperation.
"Good performance considering it was our 5th game in 14 days; the boys showed great character with a never-say-die attitude,” said McGuinness.
However, there is an injury cloud looming over key players Jarryd Sutherland, Joe Melmeth, Josh Rose, and goalkeeper Nate Cavaliere, which leaves the gaffer uncertain about the line-up until match day.
Sascha Montefiore, a prolific goal scorer, has already netted eight goals this season, placing him second in the Golden Boot race. Montefiore's goals have been instrumental in Edgeworth's success this season and he will be eager to increase his tally on Saturday.
Newcastle Olympic have hit their strides, coming into the match with three off the back of three straight wins.
Olympic coach Joel Griffiths has instilled a steely determination within the team, positioning Olympic at the business end of the table and within reach of the front runners.
Griffiths is happy with the progress of his team but still sees many areas of improvement.
"Good results but plenty of things to get better at,” Griffiths said.
“We are just staying in touch with the bigger clubs, which is good to see at the halfway mark.”
Olympic welcomes back Dylan Burston from suspension, while Riley Parker and Will Southcombe are rated as a 50/50 chance of being fit for the upcoming match.
Valentine v Adamstown Rosebud
Hunter Sports Centre, Saturday 20 May, 5pm
Valentine has slipped to seventh position on the table after their loss to Broadmeadow last weekend. They will be determined to bounce back and regain momentum when they face Rosebud on Saturday.
The team will rely on the goal-scoring prowess of striker Nicholas Martinelli, who has been in exceptional form, netting four goals in his last two matches.
Adamstown Rosebud has proved that they can compete with top teams, as demonstrated by their 2-2 draw against the Bears on ANZAC Day. However, they will be eager to put behind them their recent 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Magpies and aim for a strong comeback against Valentine.
Charlestown Azzurri v New Lambton
Lisle Carr Oval, Sunday 21 May 2:30pm
After a strong start to the season, Charlestown Azzurri have recently shown vulnerabilities, earning four points from their last three matches.
Azzurri will be determined to secure three points and maintain their position at the top of the table.
Veteran striker Rene Ferguson has been in hot form for Azzurri, scoring seven goals this season.
New Lambton will be coming into the match with confidence, after securing a 3-0 victory over Lake Macquarie City.
The team has been steadily improving throughout the season but will need to bring their A-game to challenge Azzurri on Sunday.
Lake Macquarie City v Cooks Hill United
Macquarie Field 1, Sunday 21 May 2:30pm
Both Lake Macquarie and Cooks Hill will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeats this Sunday.
Cooks Hill are known for their attractive attacking style of play, scoring 16 goals this season. However, their progress has been hindered by a leaky defence, conceding 19 goals.
Lake Macquarie are still searching for their first win but have shown potential. The team have struggled defensively, conceding 32 goals already this season.
