Match of the Round:
Newcastle Olympic FC v New Lambton FC
Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Saturday 7pm
Olympic coach Neil Owens hopes his side can bounce back when they take on New Lambton in the Match of the Round on Saturday.
The two sides will play at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, coinciding with Northern NSW Football’s Female Football Week celebrations.
Owens was unhappy with his team’s 2-1 loss to Broadmeadow Magic last weekend.
“We are a bit disappointed with the result on the weekend. That’s twice that we have played Magic and twice we have gift wrapped them goals,” Owens said.
“We have only conceded 10 goals this year and 5 of them have been to Magic.
“We were like bees without the stinger. We didn’t sting them enough. That’s an area that we need to work on.”
However, the coach is pleased with his side’s place on the table at this stage in the season, currently sitting third on the ladder, six points off league leaders Broadmeadow Magic.
“We are happy with where we are, it’s only half way through the season. We have only lost twice,” Owens said.
“If we can improve our attack a bit more, we can be dangerous.”
It is expected to be a battle of the midfield with players including Goergia Amess and Elodie Dagg going up against Cassidy Davis and Lauren Allen .
“The mid field battle will be a good spectacle to watch,” Owens said.
“Those are the games you want to play in and the games you want to coach.”
Olympic have no injuries affecting their squad this week but are without goalkeeper Claire Coelho again, who is overseas.
“We have not had one injury this season, which is incredibly lucky,” said Owens.
“Claire is still away for another week. Young Grace Kingett will be in goals again this weekend. I thought she did a great job in her first senior game last weekend.”
Olympic are looking forward to being a part of another Female Football Week.
“We are excited to play in such a special Match of the Round as a part of Female Football Week,” Owens said.
“We have spoken a lot this week in training about what a special opportunity it is to be recognised within this week.”
New Lambton will be keen to back up their 4-0 win against Adamstown last weekend. The side has started to find its form with the Jets additions settling in well.
The Golden Eagles played cohesively last week, with a confident team performance.
Three points for Greg Lowe’s side will be crucial to keep their finals hunt alive, as they sit in sixth, eight points outside of the top four.
Broadmeadow Magic FC v Maitland FC
Magic Park, Friday 8:15pm
Magic will look to extend their lead at the top of the table when they play Maitland on Friday night.
At this stage of the season, Maitland have been the only side to snatch all three points from the league leaders, making this a highly anticipated match.
Broadmeadow are coming into the match in striking form, taking all three points from each of the last six games.
The league leaders are currently sitting four points clear of Charlestown Azzurri in second place.
However, the side’s depth will be tested, as their star forward Lucy Jerram is serving a two-match suspension for her altercation with Olympic’s Zoe Horgan last week.
Magic will need to rely on attackers Adrianna Konjarski and Kiarra Lewis to get the job done.
The Magpies are currently sitting in fourth on the table after an impressive three-game winning streak.
Maitland walked away with a comfortable 4-0 win over Warners Bay last weekend, continuing to boost the side’s confidence which will prove vital for this match.
Charlestown Azzurri FC v Adamstown Rosebud JFC
Lisle Carr Oval, Sunday 4pm
Azzurri will be hoping to continue their winning form when they take on Rosebud on Sunday.
Niko Papspiropoulos was very pleased with his side’s recent performances, claiming a convincing 7-0 win against Mid Coast and a 8-1 victory over Warners Bay in the last two Rounds.
“We are feeling good. Very happy with the result last week,” Papspiropoulos said.
Despite coming off the back of two defeats, Azzurri knows that Adamstown are a big threat.
“We have a tough game coming up,” Papspiropoulos said.
“Adamstown always pose a good challenge as they are a well-organised and coached team.
“You can’t underestimate them. They have taken points off good teams.”
Papspiropoulos has given clear instructions to his side on what he wants to see from them to get all three points.
“We need to be focused, switched on and try to get control of the game to achieve what we want to get the win,” Papspiropoulos said.
Azzurri’s Nicole Jones is out for the weekend with a calf strain and Sarah Halvorsen is also unlikely to play due to a back injury. However, Jessica Dominello has returned to training this week following a groin injury and is expected to feature this weekend.
Despite their recent defeats, Rosebud remains fifth on the table, and right in the contest for finals football.
Rosebud will be hoping that Jets duo Leia Puxty and Josie Morley can continue settling into the competition and help boost the side.
If Ryan Campbell’s side can leave Lisle Carr Oval with three points, they will be able to keep Maitland in reach who are sitting in fourth, currently five points ahead.
Warners Bay FC v Mid Coast FC
John Street Oval, Sunday 4pm
Warners Bay will be searching for their first win of the season in a bottom of the table clash against Mid Coast on Sunday.
Both sides have struggled to get results this season and will be out to prove themselves at John Street Oval.
Emma Stanbury’s side will be hoping to repeat their 8-1 victory over the Panthers in Round 5, which has been Mid Coast’s only win of the season.
The Panthers have been unable to pick up any points this season and have now conceded 116 goals.
If Ryan Swinkle’s team can get a result they will be equal points with Middies, making this an important match for both sides.