Match of the Round
Broadmeadow Magic v Adamstown Rosebud JFC
This match was postponed due to wet weather conditions.
New Lambton FC 1-2 Maitland FC
Maitland FC coach Joe Wright has credited his team’s mentality for getting them over the line with a 2-1 win over New Lambton FC at Alder Park on Saturday afternoon.
The two sides came firing out of the blocks, each with confidence that they could come away with all three points.
Neither team could find the back of the net in the first-half despite creating chances at both ends.
Each side was given golden opportunities to open the scoring right before half-time but neither could capitalise.
The Magpies were awarded an indirect free kick on the edge of the penalty area in the 45th minute for a handball offence, but Sophie Nenadovic’s strike smashed into the wall of players and away from goal.
Moments later, New Lambton was given a free kick just outside the penalty area. Tara Andrews whipped the ball towards goal and forced Annabella Thornton to pull out a top-shelf save to deny the strike. The ball fell to Caitlin Pickett who was unable to guide the ball into the goal.
The Magpies finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute through Renee Pountney. Marry Ntsweng charged down the pitch before she crossed the ball into the penalty area and to Pountney's feet, who scuffed her first attempt but buried her second into the back of the net.
Straight after the goal, Maitland midfielder Josie Morley made a shock return to the competition after she was ruled out for the season with a ruptured ACL. She was substituted on with co-captain Sophie Stapleford.
Ntsweng doubled Maitland’s lead in the 65th minute after she stormed into the penalty area with the ball and smashed it past Claire Coelho and into the goal.
New Lambton clawed one back in the 86th minute after golden boot leader Andrews got onto a ball at the edge of the penalty area and curled it into the back of the net.
But it was all too late for the Golden Eagles as they were handed their fourth loss of the season.
Maitland remains undefeated this season with seven wins and one draw to their name.
Wright was pleased with how his side stuck to their game plan to secure another win.
“I thought it was a good performance from us on the weekend,” Wright said.
“We played really well, created good opportunities and defended well for most part of the game.
“We went into the sheds and were happy with how we performed and knew we needed to keep doing what we are doing and the goals will come. We did everything but score in the first half.
“We kept to our process. It comes down to the mentality for the girls to compete from the first minute to the last minute.”
The Maitland coach was thrilled to see Morley back out on the pitch but said it will be a week-to-week assessment on how the minutes she will play.
“We are stoked that she [Morley] has recovered and been cleared to play,” Wright said.
“I am happier for her, despite it being great for us as a team, considering she was looking at another bout of rehab such a short time after already completing it.
“We will continue to be cautious and do the right thing to make sure her welfare is top priority.
“I am pleased for her to be back out on the field and it was nice to see her back out there.”
The Magpies continue to fly high at the top of the table and have extended their lead out to six points with 22 points in total.
They will hope to keep the good times rolling when they return home to Cooks Square Park to host Broadmeadow Magic next Sunday.
Despite the loss, New Lambton remains fourth on the table with 10 points. They will serve the bye in round 10 before they return to welcome Lake Macquarie City FC in round 11.
Newcastle Olympic v Lake Macquarie City FC
This match was postponed due to wet weather conditions.
Charlestown Azzurri - Bye
