Match of the Round
Maitland FC v Charlestown Azzurri FC
Cooks Square Park, Saturday 4pm
This Saturday’s Match of the Round is set to be a fiery contest when Maitland host Charlestown Azzurri at Cooks Square Park.
Last weekend Maitland finally jumped into third on the table above Azzurri who will be out for revenge and the chance to push jump back ahead the Magpies.
Maitland’s coach Keelan Hamilton is not focused on the team’s position on the ladder, rather the results of his side each week.
“I don’t know if the win was big in terms of league position. It was important to back up the win from the previous week,” Hamilton said.
“We know that we have to perform our best.
“We are happy where we are but we aren’t getting ahead of ourselves.”
The Magpies defeated Adamstown Rosebud 1-0 last Sunday, meaning the side have gone six games unbeaten. Hamilton can’t deny the positive feeling within the playing group.
“I think the feel within the group is one that’s confident,” Hamilton said.
“We have played some great football.”
Maitland are not getting caught up in the pressure of this weekend’s match-up, with Coach Hamilton explaining their gameplan is not to focus on which team they are playing but their own football.
“Our focus is to be ourselves. That’s been our main focus all preseason and season.,” Hamilton said.
“We have developed a clear way that we play our football and if we do that successfully, we will get results.”
The Magpies squad will be without Emily Wicks, who is away but Sophie Stapleford who was battling illness last week in last week’s match will be included in the side on Saturday.
Azzurri are keen to bounce back after going down 3-1 to Newcastle Olympic last Sunday, which meant the side dropped into fourth on the table.
Coach Niko Papspiropoulos was disappointed in the result but is hopeful that the issues can be resolved before coming up against Maitland.
“To be honest, going down 3-0 at half-time felt surprising,” Papspiropoulos said.
“Our errors led to us conceding goals.
“Olympic were better at winning the 50/50 battles, which is unfortunate but hopefully easy to fix.
“Our reaction is important. In training this week, we have talked about our response if we make an error.”
Papspiropoulosis is aware of the threat Maitland poses to his side but is looking forward to the contest.
“Maitland are a strong side,” Papspiropoulosis said.
“It should be a good competitive game.”
Azzurri’s squad will be unchanged except for Sarah Halvorsen, who is unavailable.
Charlestown understand the importance of a good performance and leaving Cooks Square Park with three points this weekend.
“We need to win this week. Every game is important,” Papspiropoulosis said.
“It’s so important for us to be winning the battle in the middle of the park.”
“Our side needs to be composed, control the tempo and be mentally resilient.
“If we can focus on ourselves and stay disciplined for the full 90 minutes, the results will come.”
Newcastle Olympic FC v Warners Bay FC
Darling Street Oval, Saturday 5:15pm
Newcastle Olympic will have another opportunity to shoot to the top of the table when they host Warners Bay on Saturday.
Despite defeating Charlestown Azzuri last weekend, Neil Owen’s side sit below Broadmeadow Magic, separated only by goal difference. This makes not only three points vital, but also the scoreline.
Olympic have proved that they have the ability to get results, picking up 10 points from the last four matches.
Jemma House continues to be an attacking threat for Olympic, breaking through team’s defensive lines. House has scored 15 goals so far this season and doesn’t look like stopping.
Warners Bay’s defence will need to be sharp in order to keep House quiet. Goalkeeper Grace Cooksey has proved vital for her side, making multiple top-shelf saves each week.
The Panthers have received a big boost in attack, signing Leeds United Ladies Academy Junior, Stephanie Carte to the senior squad.
Carte moved to Newcastle at the start of 2023 starting the season playing for Merewether United Soccer Club All-Age. The attacker is expected to bring a lot of experience to the young squad.
Ryan Swinkles will be hoping Carte can combine with Dana Neaves, who was able to put her name on the scoresheet last weekend and score some goals for the Panthers.
Mid Coast FC v Adamstown Rosebud JFC
Taree Zone Field, Sunday 4pm
Mid Coast will look to build on last week’s performance when they take on Adamstown on Sunday afternoon.
Middies were able to stay in the contest in the first half against New Lambton, showing big signs of improvement.
Mid Coast Player and coach Emma Stanbury made an early return to the side, after being sidelined with a fractured rib to help boost the side.
Sophie Gallagher raised her goal-scoring total to five and Jorja Holborow scored her first of the season last weekend. They will both be eager to get onto the scoresheet again against Rosebud.
Ryan Campbell will be hoping that his side are able to bounce back after narrowly going down to Maitland last Sunday, slipping down to sixth position on the table.
It still is possible for Rosebud to make the finals, but the side will need to go on a winning run, making a result against Middies vital.
Josie Morley will look to continue shining for Rosebud this weekend, proving vital in both attack and defence for her side this season.
Broadmeadow Magic FC v New Lambton FC
Magic Park, Sunday 4pm
Both sides will be eager for three points when Broadmeadow host New Lambton at Magic Park.
The competition’s leading goal scorer Adriana Konjarski will still be unavailable overseas but with the successful return of Lucy Jerram and Kalista Hunter boosting the squad last week, coach Jake Curley is not concerned.
“It will be good for us to see where we are without AJ,” Curley said.
“For us, we just need to focus on how we play, taking chances and then finishing them.”
Curley is aware that it will be a different match up with New Lambton compared to Round One, with the additions of A-League players into the squad.
“They have got a lot of experience and they have recruited well,” Curley said.
“It will be a tight contest.”
Greg Lowe’s side will be looking to build on the 8-2 victory over Mid Coast last weekend.
New Lambton are nine points outside the top four and will be desperate for three points to keep their hopes alive at being a part of finals football.
Jets players Cass Davis, Lauren Allan and Tara Andrews have scored 26 goals collectively this season, playing a key role in New Lambton’s attack. Lowe will be hoping that the trio can continue their form against Magic’s impressive defence.