The PlayStation 4 Northern NSW NPL Round 8 Match of the Round sees the high flying Broadmeadow welcome Weston to Magic Park in a huge match that will have a big impact on how the top four finishes at the completion of the round.
Broadmeadow Magic FC vs. Weston Workers FC
Sun 31 May 2:30 PM
Magic Park
Match of the Round
#MGCvWWB
Broadmeadow begin the round in first place. They are currently on seventeen points from seven matches, and along with Hamilton is still one of only two undefeated sides having won five and drawn two.
Weston was in some great form recently until their loss against Hamilton last weekend, which saw them slide down to fourth. They have won four of their first seven matches.
All eyes are on Broadmeadow after their dominant 5-2 win over the Jets Youth on Monday night. After a shaky 2014 new coaches Rob Virgili and Bobby Naumov have steadied the ship and have the 2013 champions thriving again. They are just a win away from twenty points; which is significant as it was their 2014 total tally and if they achieve it on Sunday it will have been in less than half a season.
Recruitment is a major factor behind this success, with Dino Fajkovic and Kale Bradbury shining again on Monday. Bradbury bagged a brace to make it six in a week and eight for the season. Fajkovic also scored, taking his total to seven.
The Bears were disappointed that they could not help Robbie Turnbull celebrate his two hundredth match in style with a win last weekend, however Troy Hearfield continued his hot form getting on the score sheet again.
Broadmeadow now know their fate in the FFA Cup Qualifying Quarter Final, as they drew South Armidale United FC midweek.
They will be most concerned about this weekend however, as they look to stay at the top of the table for the seventh week in a row, having been there since Round 2.
This match has well and truly earned the right to be named Match of the Round. It will be extremely intriguing as the best defensive side in the competition comes up against the best attacking side, and it will be interesting to see which one comes out on top.
Edgeworth FC vs. Newcastle Jets Youth
Sat 30 May 2.30 PM
Jack McLoughlin Oval
#EFCvNEW
The Newcastle Jets Youth travel to Jack McLoughlin Oval on Saturday afternoon, desperate to get their season back on track.
Their run of three wins was ended two weeks ago, seeing them slip out of the top four, then they were demolished by Broadmeadow last weekend.
Those two losses have seen them move down to fifth on the ladder. They are on ten points and trail fourth placed Weston by three.
The home side is in great form. Five wins and two losses this season has them in third place, trailing Hamilton only by goal difference, and Magic by two points.
A major factor behind Edgeworth’s current success is an extremely successful week that started in Round 6. They won that match, followed by their Round 4 catch up game during the week, then topped the week off by defeating South Cardiff last weekend.
It was the perfect end to a three game week for the away side, whose coach Damien Zane challenged them to take away the maximum amount of points, which they did in style, scoring nine and conceding three.
The Jets Youth seem to be struggling in the attacking department as they were still without Brandon Lundy, Braedyn Crowley and Beau McDonald on Monday night. Michael Kantarovski has made a move up the pitch however, and has scored two goals in as many games, which is a positive for the side.
Edgeworth drew Coffs City United FC in the Quarter Final of the FFA Cup Qualifying rounds during the week. That match is not for three weeks, so they will be using the NPL to continue their momentum before competing in the knockout competition.
A win this weekend would be extremely beneficial for both sides. Both play an attractive passing style of football, which will make for an eye-catching game come Saturday afternoon.
Adamstown Rosebud FC vs. South Cardiff FC
Sat 30 May 2:30 PM
Adamstown Oval
#BUDvSCG
The second of three Saturday afternoon match ups sees Adamstown Rosebud host the South Cardiff Gunners.
The Rosebud enjoyed their first win a of the season in Round 6, however their luckless season continued last weekend in a 1-1 draw against Lambton having dominated that match.
They are currently in seventh on six points having won one and drawn three. They are seven points outside the top four.
South Cardiff can leapfrog Adamstown with a win on Saturday. They are one position and point below Adamstown after a win and two draws form seven games to start 2015.
Adamstown Rosebud discovered mid week that they would be competing against Valentine in the Quarter Final of the FFA Cup Qualifiers.
They have several NPL matches before that match however, so they will be solely focused on those beginning this weekend against a Gunners side who also desperately need a win to get their season on track.
Lambton Jaffas FC vs. Maitland FC
Sat 30 May 2:30 PM
Arthur Edden Oval
#JAFvMFC
The last of the trio of games on Saturday is between Lambton Jaffas and Maitland Magpies, at Arthur Edden Oval.
The Jaffas are still searching for the form they finished 2014 with. They are in sixth place on nine points, following two wins, three draws, and two losses.
Maitland have endured a slow start to the season also, however are boosted by their first win, which they scored last weekend against Charlestown. They have also had one draw and five losses, which places them in ninth on four points.
This match will be the first time the sides have met since their NEWFM 1st Division days in 2012, and should be a very interesting affair between two teams who have a lot of motivation to pick up the three points.
Hamilton Olympic FC vs. Charlestown City Blues FC
Sun 31 May 2:30 PM
Darling Street Oval
#OLYv CCB
The second Sunday afternoon match takes place at Darling Street Oval, as last placed Charlestown travel to take on Hamilton Olympic.
Olympic are in great form, undefeated after seven matches. They are in second place after four wins and three draws, trailing Broadmeadow by just two points.
Charlestown have won one match, but lost their other six and are rooted to the bottom of the table.
The match will be significant for both sides as it provides each with a great opportunity. If Maitland or South Cardiff lose, then a win for the Blues gets them off the bottom of the table. If Broadmeadow lose, then an Olympic win will see them move to first.
This match should be end-to-end and extremely entertaining, a great way to finish Round 8 of the PS4 NNSW National Premier League. There is one clear favourite, however the underdogs will certainly throw everything they have at their opposition for ninety minutes, and will leave nothing on the pitch.
Click here for a full preview of all the Round 8 matches.