Match of the Round
Lambton Jaffas v Valentine FC
Arthur Eden Oval, Saturday 2.30pm
Lambton Jaffas are on a roll after chalking up four consecutive victories in the NPL Men's NNSW competition.
Twelve points from four matches have elevated the Jaffas into second position on the table alongside Weston and five points adrift of league leaders Charlestown Azzurri.
The Jaffas defeated West Wallsend 4-0 in the Australia Cup on Tuesday and are not likely to know their final squad until matchday.
Goals from Cam Howard, Pat Bond, Kale Bradbery and Reece Papas sealed a comfortable cup victory as they go into Saturday's match brimming with confidence.
The rain has wreaked havoc with Valentine's schedule who have missed the last two rounds due to washed out matches.
"It has been difficult for us not being able to play the last few weeks," Valentine coach Adam Hughes said.
"Jaffas will be a tough opponent, having players in the group that have won championships brings experience to their team.
"We will have to be at our top level to get a result.”
New Lambton FC v Cooks Hill United
Alder Park, Friday 8pm
New Lambton and Cooks Hill United are on five points and will fancy their chances on at Alder Park on Friday night to climb into the top half of the table.
New Lambton's promotion to the NPL has been a white-knuckle ride conceding nine goals to premiers Maitland followed by a draw with reigning champions Lambton Jaffas.
New Lambton have established themselves as a tough team to beat with a strong fighting spirit, especially in front of their home supporters at Alder Park.
Cooks Hill United went 3-0 down to Edgeworth after 15 minutes last weekend but dug deep, eventually going down 3-2.
Edgeworth FC v Maitland FC
Jack McLaughlan Oval, Sunday 2.30pm
After chalking up two wins in a row, Edgeworth will look to continue their momentum in front of their home supporters at Jack McLaughlan Oval on Sunday.
Sascha Montefiore has been in fine goal scoring form and Jarryd Sutherland has been terrorising left backs with his pace and precision crossing.
Reigning premiers Maitland are in 10th place on the table but have only played five matches.
Despite losing three matches Maitland have not been outplayed and their losses have been through fine margins.
Maitland downed Cessnock City 6-0 in the Australia Cup on Wednesday evening and will not know their final line up until matchday.
Broadmeadow Magic v Lake Macquarie City
Magic Park, Sunday 2.30pm
Broadmeadow Magic showed their class thumping HIT106.9 Northern League One side Wallsend FC 11-0 in the Australia Cup on Tuesday evening.
A magnificent seven Magicians got on the scoresheet as Jayden Stewardson completed a hat-trick, Riley Smith and Bailey Wells notched doubles and Jared Baker, Oscar Ward, Ben Diamond and Will Ingram also scored.
The fixtures are piling up for Broadmeadow Magic as coach John Bennis juggles his squad for Sunday's encounter at Magic Park.
"We still have Keanu Moore injured, James Cresnar possibly out and young Cale Graham has a groin issue " Bennis said.
"We have a busy schedule, including last night’s [Australia Cup match] we have four games in 12 days potentially.
"Lakes have a very experienced coach in Steve Piggott on board and I'm expecting a very tough match at home.
"They have the likes of John Majurovski who is a proven goal scorer in the competition who we will have to contain.”
Newcastle Olympic v Charlestown Azzurri
Darling Street Oval, Sunday 3pm
Leaders Charlestown Azzurri suffered their first loss of the season to Weston last weekend which will give hope to a Newcastle Olympic team on the rise.
After last week's washout, Olympic should be fully rested after back-to-back wins in round five and round six of the competition.
With only one blemish on their 2023 campaign, Azzurri remain on top of the table with 18 points and five points ahead of Lambton and Weston.
Adamstown Rosebud v Weston Workers FC
Adamstown Oval, Tuesday 2.30pm
Adamstown Rosebud entertain high-flying Weston Workers at Adamstown Oval on ANZAC Day.
The Bears were the first team to inflict a defeat on table leaders Charlestown Azzurri last week and will look to keep in touch with the front runners.
Adamstown Rosebud are a young team on the rise and will look to kickstart their campaign with a win over the Bears.
