Match of the Round
Charlestown City Blues v Dudley Redhead
Sunday 25th July 2:30pm
Lisle Carr Oval
Charlestown City Blues will host Dudley Redhead at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday in the NEWFM 1st Division Round 19 Match of the Round.
Charlestown took the points in Round 8 with a 5-0 victory on Dudley Redhead’s home soil and will be looking for a repeat performance on Sunday in front of a home crowd.
However, the home side will be backing up from their Thursday night top 4 clash with Lambton Jaffas, during which they claimed a 6-4 victory in difficult conditions.
With fresh legs, Dudley Redhead could have an advantage and remain sitting patiently four points behind a top 4 position for a chance to crack into the semis at this late stage of the season.
If Charlestown achieve a victory, they could put an end to any glimmer of hope Dudley Redhead may have had of a finals appearance and also consolidate their position in 2nd place to avoid facing competition favourites, Lake Macquarie City in the Semi Finals which are now just four short weeks away.
Charlestown are clear favourites entering this weekend’s Match of the Round, and have also recently welcomed the return of several players, putting their side at full strength which could prove difficult for Dudley Redhead.
Wallsend SC v Cessnock City Hornets
Sunday 25th July 2:30pm
The Gardens
Wallsend will host Cessnock City Hornets on Sunday at the Gardens in a bid to recreate their successful Round 18 performance against Singleton.
Last weekend Wallsend achieved their first 2010 victory and finally put points next to their name on the ladder, but have some work ahead of them if the side wishes to move from last place.
This time last year, Cessnock were sitting on the bottom end of the table with the likes of Wallsend, however this year after several successful performances against top sides in recent weeks, the Hornets have rocketed into 6th place.
Round 8 saw Cessnock take the points against Wallsend with a notable goal difference and considering their place on the top half of the table could be in jeopardy, the visitors will be giving this match everything that they have got.
Belmont Swansea v Maitland FC
Sunday 25th July 2:30pm
Blacksmiths Oval
Belmont Swansea will host Maitland on Sunday in an attempt to move away from the bottom four and closer to the middle of the NEWFM 1st Division pack.
When it was Maitland’s turn to host Belmont Swansea, the Magpies took the points and have not lost a match since Round 2 which makes the home side’s task a difficult one to face.
With little chance of dropping out of the top 4, Maitland’s focus will now be to remain in 3rd place, or push into 2nd to avoid facing undefeated competition leaders, Lake Macquarie in the Semi Finals.
Maitland are also welcoming the return of David Mudd, Adam Sidotti and Chris Dawes this weekend which sees the side enter the match at a near full strength.
Beresfield United v Lambton Jaffas
Sunday 25th July 2:30pm
Pasadena Oval
Beresfield United will host Lambton Jaffas on Sunday at Pasadena Oval in a bid to claim some much desired competition points ahead of the conclusion of the season.
The Jaffas will be feeling tired and weary after be defeated by fellow top 4 squad, Charlestown City Blues, on Thursday evening in a rescheduled match which has left doubts as to whether Lambton will shift from 4th place before the finals.
Lambton gave Beresfield a beating when these two sides met in Round 8, however it is no secret that the home side are difficult competitors at Pasadena Oval.
Beresfield may be the underdogs, however having recently claimed their first victory since the start of the season, they have the potential to trouble Lambton who will be without Peter Dimmis following his red card against Charlestown.
Thornton Park v Lake Macquarie City
Sunday 25th July 2:30pm
Thornton Park
Thornton Park FC will welcome Lake Macquarie City to Thornton Park on Sunday but face a difficult task against the competition leaders.
Lake Macquarie are still yet to be knocked from their perch, having clocked up 17 straight victories and claimed the maximum number of points possible to date.
With little chance of being knocked out of the top position, the visitors are set for a finals position, while Thornton currently reside in 7th place and will be hoping to push higher by the end of the season.
Lake Macquarie are easy favourites, though Thornton Park may have enough determination to knock the wind out of their sails if they are able to score early to keep the lead.
Adamstown Rosebud v Singleton Strikers
Sunday 25th July 2:30pm
Adamstown Oval
Adamstown Rosebud will host Singleton Strikers at Adamstown Oval on Sunday in an effort to win their first match since Round 13.
Just last weekend, Singleton were defeated by bottom placed Wallsend and will be looking to make amends this weekend when they face Adamstown.
With six points separating Singleton in 10th place and Adamstown in 8th, a victory for the visitors could begin to close that gap and potentially push the side up the ladder before the season ends.
Neither of these sides have a chance of making a finals appearance, but this match is sure to be worth a look with both attempting to end the season on a high note.