We’re set for another blockbuster round of fixtures in round 14 of the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW Men’s.
Match of the Round - Lake Macquarie City v Adamstown Rosebud
Macquarie Field, Sunday 2:30pm
Both teams will view this match as an excellent opportunity to secure three points, as 10th-placed Adamstown Rosebud faces off against 12th-placed Lake Macquarie City.
Lake Macquarie City has been averaging a goal per game and showcasing an unwavering fighting spirit. However, they have struggled defensively, conceding 47 goals in just 13 games.
Lake Macquarie's coach, Steve Piggott, recognises the importance of investing in the future due to the team's young roster.
"We have little choice but to play our young players. We have too many old and too many young players, with a shortage of players aged 24 to 25 in the middle,” Piggott said.
“Since there's no relegation and no significant difference in final standings, we're not overly concerned about results. Our focus is on how we represent ourselves, finishing each game strongly, and let our players play. The numerous injuries are an opportunity for up-and-coming players.
“We have been playing with a 4-3-3 will continue with that to maintain consistency through the season."
Adamstown Rosebud can be a dynamic force in attack, but their young team has struggled defensively, conceding 31 goals. Coach David Rosewarne expressed disappointment over the postponed match against Cooks Hill.
"We were fully prepared and eager to face Cooks Hill because they are performing well and play a decent style of football. It would have been a good challenge for us,” Rosewarne said.
Adamstown gained confidence from their 3-2 victory over Valentine in round 12, which set the tone for the second half of the season.
"To be fair to Valentine, they were the better team in the first half, and our goalkeeper, Nick Hartnett, made two incredible saves from point-blank headers that kept us in the game. We had some quality finishing from Murray Peart and Dino Fajkovic, with the latter scoring from a free kick. Nonetheless, securing the win has given us a fresh start to the second half of the season,” Rosewarne said.
Despite being one of the youngest teams in the league, Adamstown Rosebud has proven their ability to compete with top-tier teams.
"We have a unique relationship with Charlestown. Although we haven't managed to defeat them in the three years I've been involved, we've always engaged in tight and tough contests. Perhaps our styles of play offset each other. Ultimately, goals are what win matches and change the game, and we had a couple of excellent opportunities in the first half that we failed to capitalise on. Nonetheless, we were pleased with our bounce-back performance against Valentine, especially considering the circumstances surrounding the week and our participation in the Australia Cup,” Rosewarne said.
Rosewarne acknowledges that small mistakes in this highly competitive league can be costly emphasising their struggle against teams like Magic and Maitland, noting their opponents' speed of play was challenging to counter.
While Rosebud has created numerous scoring opportunities, they have only managed to convert 13 goals in 12 games. The return to fitness of their experienced goal scorer, Dino Fajkovic, has provided a much-needed cutting edge. Rosewarne commended Fajkovic, stating,
"While our squad lacks experience in terms of age and games played, Dino brings that experience. He's fantastic, and we have been managing his playing time to ensure he recovers from some early-season injuries. He has played more minutes than expected, and his leadership up front, along with the progress made by young Murray Peart, who is not even 18 yet, has been impressive. They complement each other well,” Rosewarne said.
The presence of a youthful squad consisting of home-grown talent bodes well for Adamstown's future. Rosewarne highlighted the significance of nurturing young players within the club.
"As a club, we currently have a young squad. Many of our players have come through our ranks, which is fantastic. Some of these boys have been with us since the age of 13 and are now 18 to 20, with a deep understanding of the club. Although they possess the skills to play, we aim to provide them with 5 to 10 years' worth of experience despite their young age,” Rosewarne said.
While playing an attacking brand of football Rosewarne acknowledges the significance of achieving results.
"From a neutral standpoint, we are an entertaining team to watch. However, ultimately, it's not just about being the entertainers,” Rosewarne said.
“We strive to play an exciting style of football that people want to watch, while also achieving more wins that reflect the energy and commitment displayed by our players. We understand that progress is ongoing, and we continue to develop.”
With a matchup featuring the next generation of emerging talent, spectators at the game or BAR TV can anticipate an exciting game from emerging talent filled with goal-scoring opportunities.
New Lambton v Lambton Jaffas
Alder Park, Friday 8:15pm
Round 14 kicks off with the explosive Lambton derby on Friday evening at Alder Park between New Lambton and Lambton Jaffas.
The last time these teams met, they had to settle for a share of the points in a 1-1 draw. In addition to hometown bragging rights, both teams are in need of the three points.
New Lambton are in 11th place whereas Lambton Jaffas are in 7th place and can't afford to concede much more points to the front runners if they are to keep their title aspirations alive.
"Every game is important for 3 points," said Lambton Jaffas coach David Tanchevski.
After being under the pump against the Weston Bears last week, the Jaffas showed their character with a sensational comeback and a share of the points in a 3-3 draw.
"The boys demonstrated great character by equalising late in the game against Weston. It was arguably one of our poorest performances in the first 70 minutes,” Tanchevski said.
“However, the last 20 minutes were excellent, and our ability to bounce back from a 3-1 deficit highlights our potential when we're at our best. We aim to build on that momentum this week.”
Tanchevski reflected on his side’s previous encounter with New Lambton but is hopeful to walk away on Friday night with the three points.
"Friday night away game on a tough pitch will be tough, we conceded a goal late against them last time to share points and were wasteful with our chances,” Tanchevski said.
“We are a different team now, so we are looking forward to the game.
“The top six play each other so it's a good chance for us to peg some points back if we can get a result on Friday night. We get some players back but will still be missing Finn Toddhunter."
Charlestown Azzurri v Maitland
Lisle Carr Oval, Sunday 2:30pm
Charlestown will look to grow their lead at the top of the ladder when they take on Maitland on Sunday.
Maitland enters the match as the most current in-form team in the competition, boasting an impressive four consecutive victories. To stay within striking distance of the league leaders, who currently hold a seven-point advantage, Maitland will be eager to secure a crucial three points.
Azzurri possess the best defence in the competition, having conceded only 11 goals across 12 matches. However, they will face a stern test against the league's top goal scorers, who have already netted an impressive 37 goals this season.
Leading the attack for Maitland will be Breadyn Crowley, who has been in exceptional form, finding the back of the net on 19 occasions. His movement off the ball and goal scoring prowess will be key factor in Sunday's encounter.
Edgeworth v Weston Workers
Jack McLaughlin Oval, Sunday 2:30pm
Sunday afternoon brings us an exciting showdown between the second-placed Weston Bears and the fourth-placed Edgeworth.
With the second half of the season underway, both teams are determined to return to their winning form and intensify the pressure on the league leaders, Charlestown Azzurri.
This heavyweight clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as these teams vie for a crucial three points to climb the table.
Broadmeadow Magic v Newcastle Olympic
Magic Park, Sunday 2:30pm
Magic and Olympic are brimming with confidence after scoring five goals apiece in their Round 13 victories.
Magic in 3rd place and Olympic in 5th place are finely poised at the business end of the table amongst a log jam of teams eyeing this year's premiership.
Valentine v Cooks Hill United
Hunter Sports Centre, Saturday 5pm
Valentine in 7th place face Cooks Hill United in 8th place as both teams aim to kick their way into the top half of the table.
Cooks Hill scored four goals in their 4-1 win over Lake Macquarie City last weekend and Valentine will be seeking to bounce back from their run of one point in the last three games.