Match of the Round – Azzurri v Belmont Swansea
2:30pm Sunday 9th August
Lisle Carr Oval
Azzurri will host Belmont Swansea at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday in the NEWFM 1st Division Rnd 21 Match of the Round.
The home side, Azzurri, will be searching for a win to move one step closer to becoming the minor premiers in their first year in the 1st Division competition.
With two players returning, Azzurri are now only missing Jordan Rowe and are at near full strength ahead of their crucial clash with Belmont Swansea.
Although beating Belmont Swansea during the first round, Coach Greg Smith is unsure what to expect from his opposition and believes the side have improved dramatically since their last encounter.
“We did ok in the first round, but they’ve had some good results since – I’d like to think we could win,” said Smith.
For Belmont Swansea, depending on other games to be played this weekend, a victory could move the side inside the top 4.
Coach Brian Johns has made three starting changes to his squad in an attempt to put the strongest side on the park with Craig Looseman, Phil Tasiker and Ty Wilson all coming into the starting line up.
Currently sitting just one goal on goal difference outside in the top 4 in 5th place, a loss this weekend could end Belmont Swansea’s finals hopes; a truth that is only too clear in Coach Johns’ mind.
“They’re the best in the competition by a long way, but we’ve got to win,” said Johns.
Wallsend v Singleton
2:30pm Saturday 8th August
Glendale Athletics Centre
Wallsend will host Singleton at Glendale Athletics Centre in one of the home side’s most important games all season.
A victory for Wallsend could cement the side in 11th place and clear from dropping into last place as wooden spoon favourites for another week as the season draws to an end.
When these two sides met in the first round, Singleton recorded a convincing win, but Wallsend coach, Frank Klaassen, is confident his side can turn their recent poor form around.
“I’m hoping to get up on Singleton, we haven’t won for a couple of weeks – so we’re due for one,” said Klaassen.
Wallsend’s Danny Williams is now out suspended on yellow cards, while Trent Norton is under an injury cloud which could allow Singleton to stage a repeat of the two sides’ first meeting.
Singleton have an unchanged squad from last weekend’s draw with Maitland and Coach Warren Gillespie is hoping to end the season on a high note.
“We’re looking to finish the season strongly and capitalise on last weekend’s results,” said Gillespie.
Lambton v Cessnock
2:30pm Sunday 9th August
Edden Oval
Lambton are currently sitting in last place and will be desperately seeking the points on Sunday against Cessnock to rid themselves of potentially becoming wooden spooners.
New coach, Keith Harris, is looking to lead Lambton to victory and is confident that his side have prepared enough to achieve the best possible outcome.
“We’re looking fantastic, and I think we might get on the right side of the ledger – given we are on the bottom of the ladder, the boys are in high spirits,” said Harris.
Lambton’s keeper, Shaun King, is out injured and will be replaced by reserve grade keeper, Aaron Eather, while Harris is expecting impressive performances from a number of young players including Zach Holt and Andrew Hall.
Cessnock will have to be well on their game on Sunday against a spirited Lambton side and although both teams’ finals hopes are non existent, neither will give up the points without a fight.
Adamstown v Thornton
2:30pm Sunday 9th August
Adamstown Oval
Reigning premiers, Adamstown, are currently sitting in 8th place, though Coach Les True remains confident that with a bit of luck and straight wins to end the season, the side could edge into the semis.
While Thornton could also come from behind to make their way into the top 4 despite their current position in 7th place.
Thornton still have a game in hand to play against Beresfield which is scheduled for next week, though the side have a hard road ahead in the next three games to achieve the almost impossible feat of slipping into the semis.
Adamstown took the points home when the side met Thornton during the first round, and will be attempting to do it again on Sunday in front of a home crowd.
With their pride at stake, both sides will stage a tough battle at Adamstown Oval on Sunday and will be determined to run through to the end of the season on a positive note.
Maitland v Beresfield
2:30pm Sunday 9th August
Cooks Square Park
After last week’s thrashing at the hands of Lake Macquarie, Beresfield have dropped out of the top 4 and into 6th place, while Maitland have recently been knocked out of the number one spot into 2nd.
The atmosphere at Cooks Square Park will be unbeatable this weekend as Sunday is ‘Old Boys Day’, and Maitland will have ex players cheering them on.
With Ben Herron and Justin Broadley unable to play due to injury, Coach Anthony Richards is determined that Maitland can turn their recent bad luck around to come away with the points.
“It’s a big game – its old boys day for us, we’re looking to turn a corner this weekend,” said Richards.
Depending on the results of other games, a victory for Maitland could place the side back in the running for the minor premiership, while Beresfield could potentially slide back into the top 4.
Lake Macquarie v Dudley Redhead
2:30pm Sunday 9th August
Macquarie Field
The home side, Lake Macquarie, have recently returned to their strong early season form and will need to keep the run going to grab the points on offer this weekend with their place in the top 4 at stake.
After moving into 4th place after last weekend’s victory against Beresfield, Lake Macquarie are looking to consolidate their place with Coach Warren Stephenson fielding an unchanged squad.
“We’re probably going to shape up a little but differently because Dudley are a very strong physical side – it’s going to be a very difficult game and where we are positioned it’s very important for us,” said Stephenson.
Meanwhile over at Dudley Redhead, the side will remain in 3rd place regardless of the outcome of their clash with Lake Macquarie and although Dudley Redhead came out on top during the first round, Coach John Convery is feeling shaky with a number of players away this weekend.
“I think they’ve improved a fair bit since the last outing we played them, we need one point out of the next two games to qualify for the semis, so that’s hopefully enough to motivate the boys,” said Convery.
With such high stakes, both sides will be determined to come away with the points and this game is set to be one worthy of a look.