In a blockbuster PlayStation 4 NPL Northern NSW Match of the Round Weston Workers host Broadmeadow Magic at Rockwell Automation Park on Sunday afternoon.
Weston Workers FC vs. Broadmeadow Magic FC
Sun 9 August 2:30 PM
Rockwell Automation Park
Match of the Round
#WWBvMGC
The Bears began their run of three Bar TV Match of the Rounds last weekend with a momentum ruining 5-1 defeat at the hands of Hamilton Olympic.
This season the Bears have won nine games, drawing two and losing five on their way to twenty five points. One win from their last two matches will see them equal their 2014 total of thirty-two points.
They finished second with that total, however this year it may not even be enough to see them scrape into the finals series, as they are only three points clear of the fifth placed side, their Round 17 opponents Broadmeadow.
Magic began the season with a bang, sitting first after six rounds on sixteen points, undefeated with four wins and two draws. Since then they have managed just ten points from ten games, as they sit fifth after dropping out of the finals positions in Round 10.
A win this weekend will see them renter the top four with just a game remaining, which is a home fixture against the struggling Charlestown City Blues.
Newcastle Jets Youth vs. Edgeworth FC
Sat 8 August 2:30 PM
Jack McLaughlin Oval
#NEWvEFC
The second match on Sunday afternoon is a significant one, as league leaders Edgeworth can potentially wrap up the Premiership, or at least go a step closer when they welcome the Jets Youth to Jack McLaughlin oval on Saturday.
The pair were both in action mid week with the Eagles going down and the Jets getting a big win.
Edgeworth were clear underdogs heading into their FFA Cup Round of 32 matchup against cashed up A League outfit Melbourne City. The Eagles went ahead through a Bren Hammel penalty after Patrick Kisnorbo fouled Aaron McLoughlin insie the box in the twenty-fourth minute.
Despite the Eagles matching City for majority of the game and forcing a number of goal scoring opportunities, two Aaron Mooy pin point free kicks, one of which came in the ninety-third minute, saw the Eagles bow out 2-1.
The Edgeworth players, coaching staff, committee, supporters, and club as a whole have a lot to be proud of with their efforts on the night, and in the entire Cup competition.
The Jets won their first game in four matches last night, crushing Charlestown City Blues 4-0, and in the process ensured there will be relegation in 2015, as the Youth side can no longer finish last.
Maitland FC vs. Lambton Jaffas FC
Sun 9 August 2:30 PM
Cook Square Park
#MFCvJAF
Maitland welcomes Lambton to Cook Square Park on Sunday afternoon in a match where a win would benefit both sides, in a completely different way.
The Magpies scored a late equalizer through Joel Wood last weekend to earn a draw and a point against the Charlestown City Blues, a game which coach Reece Thompson believes his side could have easily won if they took their chances.
It was their twelfth point of the season, following three wins and three draws, which sees them fighting to stay alive in ninth spot.
They have the chance to ensure they will feature in the 2016 NPL, as a win combined with a South Cardiff draw or loss would guarantee the Magpies safety from the drop zone.
The Jaffas find themselves in third again at the back end of a season, once again ruing a slow start to the season.
First place is still a narrow chance for the side from Arthur Edden Oval, however that would require Edgeworth to pick up one or no points from their last two games, and Hamilton four or less.
Charlestown City Blues FC vs. Hamilton Olympic FC
Sun 9 August 2:30 PM
Lisle Carr Oval
#CCBvOLY
Charlestown feature in their last match at Lisle Carr Oval this season when they host the high flying Hamilton Olympic on Sunday afternoon in the battle of the Blues.
A disappointing 4-0 loss last night saw Charlestown remain in eight spot on the ladder, which means the highest they can finish this season if the Jets pick up just one more point.
They have won just four matches from their sixteen games, and drawn once, which leaves them on thirteen points and consequently in a relegation battle.
Hamilton currently sits in second place on the table following nine wins, six draws and a competition best one loss in 2015.
The prospect of gun Olympic striker Kane Goodchild returning to his old home ground for the first time since departing the Blues is completely overshadowed by what is at stake in this match this weekend.
A Hamilton win keeps them firmly in the hunt for the Premiership. Two wins will see them finish on thirty-nine points. With Edgeworth on thirty-six already Olympic would require the Jets Youth or Weston to defeat the side from Jack McLaughlin in their last two matches if they were to become Premiers.
South Cardiff FC vs. Adamstown Rosebud FC
Sun 9 August 2:30 PM
Ulinga Oval
#SCGvBUD
The final match of Round 17 of the NNSW NPL sees two sides who are both out of the finals picture go head to head.
One of the pair, however, has a lot to play for in this match as it could potentially be their second last in the NPL for at least a year.
South Cardiff, the home side, require at least four points from their last two matches to avoid relegation, and considering they take on the Lambton Jaffas in the final round who beat them 5-0 in their last meeting, the Gunners will be intent on picking up all three points this Sunday against the Buds.
The team from Ulinga Oval has racked up a disappointing nine points this season after just two wins and three draws.
The Rosebud’s finals chances were squashed last weekend in devastating fashion as Lambton fired six past them at Adamstown Oval, a result on which the club described as a ‘tough day’.
The Buds have scored six wins, four draws and six losses this season, already improving on their 2014 total of twenty-one points.
It is the Gunners’ last home game for the season, so they will be desperate to give their home fans something to cheer about, whilst keeping their 2016 NPL hopes alive in the process, and the Rosebud will be looking to bounce back from a huge Round 16 loss.
Click here for a full preview of all the Round 17 matches.