LOW-SCORE
DRAWS ON THE FIELD BUT DRAMA APLENTY ON THE LEAGUE TABLE:
Well
it wasn't quite an action packed day of goals as yesterday but if anything,
today just added more suspense to what is the closest finals race in recent
memory. It's still all to play for. Meanwhile today saw a turn in the 19's with
Belswans leap-frogging Toronto into the top four.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNDER
19's: Cessnock City (Lachlan Lewis) 1 def by. BELMONT-SWANSEA (Harry Rapp x2
& Liam Lucas) 3
Belswans'
season was kept alive by the under-age player drama at Toronto last weekend and
they headed to Cessnock knowing that a win would lift them back into the top
four but it was the Hornets surprisingly starting the game better.
After
some underwhelming performances as of late (we're not counting the 3-0
"win" over the Stags), Cessnock started well and had the first look
in attack as Connor Garrington got in behind and forced a corner.
Saying
it was a sloppy start from the visitors would be an understatement. They looked
like they hadn't woken up and realised that a football game was on with some of
the stuff they were serving up. A couple of players were voicing their
frustrations and soon enough they'd find their feet better.
There
were one or two worrying moments for Cessnock's defence and then it all came
apart as it has done each week. In the 23rd minute, a Matthew Shaw ball over
the top bounced right over Cessnock keeper Jackson Bartlett but somehow Harry
Rapp put his chance wide of the open net.
Moments
later and it was all going wrong again. A miscommunication between defender
Bowen Schmidt and his keeper Bartlett saw Harry Rapp bounce and this time there
was no mistake as he made it 1-0.
Another
chance for Belswans in the 26th minute saw their skipper Arch Johnson pop up on
the end of a free-kick with a close header and then moments after that a free
kick really tested the shaky Cessnock resolve.
It
was mostly one-way traffic but Cessnock had a rare attacking moment in the 31st
minute. The ball was put into the box and met by a quality acrobatic shot from
Zac Kronholm. Easy enough for Danilo Apollonio to save but nice skill on show
to get the shot away.
Two
minutes later and things were back to square one for the home side. A handball
call against what looked to be Bowen Schmidt saw Belswans awarded a penalty and
gave a chance for the Golden Boot-chasing Harry Rapp to add to his season tally
of ten.
The
penalty attempt was saved well by Jackson Bartlett but Rapp was able to get to
the rebound before any defenders and blasted it into the roof of the net for
his 11th goal of the campaign, just one behind Kurtis McRitchie.
After
the break, Cessnock made a goalkeeping change as Bartlett was brought off for
Brandon Zechel. One or two eyebrows raised in the crowd and a visible
frustration from the reliable keeper.
The
game looked done and dusted at the break but Cessnock were able to keep it at
2-0 until the 58th minute when their stupidity cost them dear. An unneeded push
after the ball was gone saw a Belswans player crash into the fence.
The
resulting free kick saw some fairly average defending as Solomon Amos found
Liam Lucas who did it fairly easily in the end as he looked towards goal and
fired in a third and seemingly put Belswans out of reach. Definitely a player
to keep an eye on heading towards a potential finals appearance.
Cessnock
improved as time ticked by and managed one or two decent attacks but it still
wasn't doing anything for them on the scoreboard. Angus Bland doing well at
times but was subbed off and it was a substitute who got the headlines for the
home side on the day.
The
74th minute saw Lachlan Lewis fire in a decent left-footed strike and score
what according to the stats on SportsTG his first goal for the Cessnock City
Hornets in New-FM football after three years and 30 matches! That was the only
highlight for the Hornets today but a good one nonetheless.
3-1
is how it would end with Cessnock again just costing themselves with errors. A
miscommunication, a handball penalty and pushing a guy into the fence. That's
how they conceded their three goals. All very much avoidable.
As
for Belswans, it's into 4th place they go with the bye next weekend. It wasn't
spectacular today but it was a comfortable win in the end. They can ill-afford
the slow start in their final game against Westy in two weeks. More of a
complete performance from start to finish is needed.
Player-wise,
it was their top goalscorer Harry Rapp doing the job for them again. Who would
have foresaw him being a leading Golden Boot contender. Centre-back pairing
Will Dunn and Sam Houston also very reliable, the latter being from the 17's
and looking right at home with the higher age group.
NEWYSPORTS
MOTM VOTE:
3
(MOTM)-Harry Rapp (BEL)
2-Will
Dunn (BEL)
1-Sam
Houston (BEL)
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UNDER
23's: Cessnock City (Kyle Gillis & Brodie Williams) 2 drew. Belmont-Swansea
(Will McMaster & Luke Lethbridge) 2
Cessnock 23's were looking to consolidate 2nd position but were up against a Belswans side that had some of their normal players back on board. No 17's starting the game this week for the visitors as the likes of Angus Joseph and Josh Anstess returned to the fold.
It
was a lively start from the home side and indeed they'd have the first real
chance of the game and the first goal. It was the 18th minute when Josh
Bailey's swiftly hit ball into the box was directed goalbound by Kyle Gillis.
Belswans calling for offside but nothing doing. 1-0 Hornets.
The
dust had barely settled before suddenly scores were level. A free-kick in a
dangerous area saw Will McMaster step up to take it. As he channeled his
inner-Ronaldo by spreading his legs slightly in a pre-kick stance, the bench
and supporters were calling for someone else to take it.
Quiet
stunningly he'd shush the lot of them with a kick that beat the wall and Mat
Zechel, finding the back of the net and tying things up after just two minutes.
He'd celebrate in style and it was again game on.
Half-time
approached with neither team in control of a very even match up, There was a
chance for Cessnock in the 36th minute as a quick corner saw Ben Priest put the
ball in towards Kyle Gillis. Gillis' header was decent but didn't trouble the
score-sheet.
After
the break, it was Belswans who took control. Will McMaster came close to a
second with a decent hit on the run that breezed past the far top corner. That
would have been something but in the 44th minute, just moments later, they were
2-1 up.
Matt
Ellis would produce a good through ball to send Luke Lethbridge in behind and
he'd make no mistake as he slotted it in for Belswans' 2nd of the game and
their first lead on the day. The Hornets had dropped off and paid the price.
In
the 55th minute, Belswans would lose a man to injury as Matt Ellis injured his
wrist. He'd come off looking worse for wear and then after the game had his
shirt wrapped around his arm, signifying that his season might be over one game
early. Matt Carroll's yellow card may also end his campaign as apparently it
was his fifth of the season.
That
injury stoppage saw the tides turn a little and Cessnock would soon find
themselves level. In the 58th minute, the ball broke well for Brodie Williams
who eyed off goal and put it away comfortably to make it 2-2.
Angus
Joseph looked to have fired Belswans back ahead just moments later with a
wonderful strike from range that was met by a superb Mat Zechel save. Diving
well and getting solid contact to force it out for a corner.
Cessnock
needed a win on the day and came close with some late chances. Kyle GIllis went
on a good run and produced a shot in the 65th minute and followed that up by
forcing a good Will Reeves save not long after.
Gillis
was on hand again for a chance that came close to winning the game. His header
in the 74th minute somehow was denied only by the post. It hit the woodwork and
came back out before being cleared.
Both
teams had some moments in the last twenty or so but ultimately it would end in
a 2-2 stalemate. A good result on reflection for Belswans and but like Cessnock
they probably felt like it was a winnable match.
Just
one more game remains for the Belswans 23's and they'll look back on a lot of
positives this year despite their ladder position. Some good talent in the
18-22 age bracket doing well at the club.
Cessnock's
no doubt looking at today as a missed opportunity as the door remains open for
Cooks Hill to pip them to 2nd spot. Still, they managed to fight back from 2-1
down and at that point it looked as though 3-1 would soon happen. They turned
momentum and left with a point.
The
last two games for the Hornets look to be "winnable" as they face
Singleton and Kahibah. They need to build some belief ahead of what will be a
big finals series for the team as they become the first Cessnock side since
2015 to play late into August.
*Special
thanks to the Cessnock 23's who together donated $100 towards the cost of the
Newysports Awards Night. Absolutely stunned at the offer and gracious to have
the full support of Skip and the team.
NEWYSPORTS
MOTM VOTE:
3
(MOTM)-Will McMaster (BEL)
2-Kyle
Gillis (CES)
1-Jeremy
Noone (CES)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1ST
GRADE: Cessnock City 0 drew. Belmont-Swansea 0
Everyone's
favourite football score eventuated today and it was a fairly forgettable
affair on reflection but it definitely wasn't without some drama throughout and
in particular late in the game.
Belswans'
best player as of late has been Josh Sutton but after an unfortunate
snowboarding incident, he wasn't able to pass a late fitness test today to slot
into the team. He was missed as their attack just lacked that extra bite.
It
was an even opening to the game in very windy conditions on a very hard and dry
Turner Park surface (hearing water/irrigation issues have caused headaches for
the club). Belswans would gain some advantage as time ticked by.
That
said, the best chance of the first 25 minutes or so fell to Cessnock as Brad
York hit a free-kick just over the bar. Another free kick for the Hornets from
near abouts halfway would have Ben Parmenter back-peddling and relieved as it
hit the crossbar and fell into his grasps.
Belswans
were looking to unlock the Cessnock defence and thought they did so in the 37th
minute. A clear shove from Jake Peters on Joel Shearer saw the Belswans'
skipper go down but the referee had nothing of it. Josh Rufo very animated as
expected on the sideline.
A
few minutes later the away side were on the break and poured numbers forward
into the box. Eventually the ball came to Corey Wilson but he'd skew his shot
wide of the target. Again frustrations showed and 0-0 is how it would remain at
the end of a fairly uneventful half.
Belswans
looked to warm into the 2nd half but nearly threw it all away as they were
caught napping just moments in. Kane Rodgers pounced on an opportunity that
went fairly close. Close enough to bring Josh Rufo up out of his seat to demand
focus from his team. "Too easy" was Rufo's call as Belswans allowed
Cessnock the first chance of the half.
It
was to and fro at some stages and there were some real quick-fire moments that
some may have missed. The 57th minute saw the ball scrambled towards goal by
Belswans and the goal was only denied by Cessnock keeper Jed Horder as he
slapped the ball out of the air.
The
Hornets keeper had one or two nervy moments but was cool under pressure on a
couple of close-call backpasses. His futsal background definitely on show as he
used some fancy footwork to get out of some tough one-on-one situations.
Cessnock comfortable to play their keeper the ball.
Midway
through the half, Corey Wilson came close for Belswans as his header on the end
of a corner was saved by the aforementioned Horder. Time started to tick away
and suddenly 0-0 was looming a likely result.
Some
were predicting late drama and there certainly was some moments. Chris Gazzard
came close in the 81st minute as his shot was saved and then Cameron Lodge also
threatened for Belswans with a good shot from range in the 83rd minute.
Belswans
looked the likelier to maybe come away with all three points but alas Cessnock
would have the key moment of the dying stages fall their way, with one of the
more dramatic late chances of the season.
It
was almost stoppage time when a free kick dropped into the box. Belswans'
defence was caught napping, Tom Stewart found space, eyed off goal and blasted
it wide. Belswans like statutes and the goal was absolutely gaping.
Stewart
almost collapsed at the immediate shock of missing such a huge chance and cue
more words from the Belswans bench as the side were barrated for almost
throwing it all away in the end. It should have been 1-0 right there and then.
One of the misses of the season.
The
full-time whistle brought frustrations from both side but easily more from
Cessnock. They were that close to a famous victory for their club considering
where they've come from over the last few years. They went toe-to-toe with a
top two side and almost won it.
Again
the day ends with familiar disappointment but this season has been a positive
one for Cessnock 1st Grade and they are already working towards next season
with one or two ideas being chucked around. Whether that comes with Brendan
Slade in charge or not is the question as different sources are giving
different opinions.
Turning
the attention to Belswans and today just was a little bit underwhelming
considering where they sit on the table and the form they've been in. Yes the
unbeaten streak remains but it was one miskick away from being gone in the
dying seconds.
They
just don't have that clear goalscoring striker and it showed today. Klaudon
Ahmataj great physically today and at holding the ball up but not potent in the
final third, nor Joel Shearer, nor Cameron Lodge. Post-game thoughts from
Newysports were of "what-if?", namely what if Josh Sutton had of been
fit and started.
What
Belswans do have is the best defence in the competition and that could be very
handy in a few weeks time when they look to make yet another Grand Final. No
the top four isn't mathematically assured yet but it'd take a disaster to miss
it from here.
NEWYSPORTS
MOTM VOTE:
3
(MOTM)-Brad York (CES)
2-Cameron
Tapp (BEL)
1-Corey
Wilson (BEL)
SOUTH CARDIFF v SINGLETON STRIKERS:
UNDER
19's: South Cardiff 0 def by. SINGLETON STRIKERS (TBC) 1
Heard
from a Southy source that this game was one of missed chances for both sides.
Singleton's goal apparently came from a free-kick but ultimately the match was
full of poorly-taken shots. "My grandmother could've scored" were the
sarcastic words from this particular Gunners source about "three open
goal" misses.
Singleton
winning another game and again it echoes the sentiment from the Belswans
review. What if they didn't have 12 losses, 1 draw and only 6 wins this year.
This team were capable of so much more this season. Oh well, a positive for
them today.
========
UNDER
23's: SOUTH CARDIFF (TBC) 5 def. Singleton Strikers (TBC) 2
The
Gunners kept alive their 23's Finals hopes with a fairly convincing 5-2 win
over lowly Singleton. Unsure on goalscorers just yet (will edit them in once
known) but it's a positive result and keeps the wheels turning for their
season.
The race for 4th in the 23's is really heating up. New Lambton are holding Southy and Wallsend at bay but face the runaway leaders Thornton next weekend. If they lose that, and Southy and Wallsend win their games, it'd set up a big final round, including New Lambton v Wallsend.
========
1ST
GRADE: South Cardiff (Nathan McAllister) 1 drew. Singleton Strikers (TBC) 1
This
game was the story of the season for the Singleton Strikers but also a story of
what has been a frustrating last month or so for the Gunners as they look to
prevail in the race for finals football.
Firstly,
this was Singleton's 9th draw of the season. That is an amazing stat considering
they've only played 19 matches. That is what has cost them in the long run and
it'll hurt knowing that just two or three different results could have changed
everything.
Anyway,
Southy are the side in contention and Golden Boot leader Nathan McAllister
added another goal to his collection but also missed a couple of chances and
missed opportunities apparently summed the day up for Southy according to a
neutral source at the ground.
With
Westy short-priced favourites to down the out-of-form Toronto, and Thornton
desperate to win at home against New Lambton, Southy's trip to Kahibah Oval
next weekend will define their season. If they can't beat the 10th place team,
they have no business in the finals. Harsh but true.
Even
if Southy beat Kahibah, things might not be assured. What is for sure is it
would set up a mouth-watering final round clash with Thornton. The pressure is
firmly on for the Gunners and they need to rise in the next two weeks and find
a way to pick up three points next week.
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***NL1
YOUTH RESULTS***
WEST
WALLSEND v COOKS HILL UNITED:
UNDER
14's: West Wallsend 0 def by. COOKS HILL UNITED (TBC) 1
Unsure on the Wallsend result as of now (9:29pm) but a very big confidence-boosting win for Cooks Hill today at Johnston Park against the in-form Westy side. Tight top four in the 14's and it's sure to be a very keenly-fought finals series.
Unsure on the Wallsend result as of now (9:29pm) but a very big confidence-boosting win for Cooks Hill today at Johnston Park against the in-form Westy side. Tight top four in the 14's and it's sure to be a very keenly-fought finals series.
UNDER
15's: WEST WALLSEND (Ryan Chandler x2) 2 def. Cooks Hill United 0
Not sure on the mathematics but believe Westy have wrapped up another finals spot in the 15's after a 2-0 win over Cooks Hill. Ryan Chandler's wonderful comeback from long-term injury continues with two more goals and the Bluebells are doing well as they approach the business end of the season.
Not sure on the mathematics but believe Westy have wrapped up another finals spot in the 15's after a 2-0 win over Cooks Hill. Ryan Chandler's wonderful comeback from long-term injury continues with two more goals and the Bluebells are doing well as they approach the business end of the season.
UNDER
17's: WEST WALLSEND (Caden Hall x2 & Jasper Shipley) 3 def. Cooks Hill United (TBC) 2
Wasn't going to write a wrap for each youth game but did so just so we could talk about this result. The last unbeaten team standing in Northern League One football was Cooks Hill 17's and today they met their match in the form of West Wallsend. Caden Hall and Jasper Shipley becoming familiar names on the scoresheet and a big, big win for the Bluebells today.
Wasn't going to write a wrap for each youth game but did so just so we could talk about this result. The last unbeaten team standing in Northern League One football was Cooks Hill 17's and today they met their match in the form of West Wallsend. Caden Hall and Jasper Shipley becoming familiar names on the scoresheet and a big, big win for the Bluebells today.
========
WALLSEND
F.C v NEW LAMBTON:
UNDER 14's: WALLSEND F.C (TBC) 6 def. New Lambton (TBC) 3
*Added late. Already written the other comments and not changing them around now but here is the latest news, Wallsend 14's beat New Lambton 6-3. That big win takes Wallsend a step closer to the Premiership whilst it ends the finals hopes for the injury-plagued Eagles. The top four is now confirmed (if my maths is right)
UNDER
15's: Wallsend F.C (Ryan Healey) 1 def by. NEW LAMBTON (TBC) 5
Again it's too late at night to try and add numbers on the league table but think this win seals finals football for New Lambton. Wallsend are a good side on their day so to win it 5-1 shows a lot of class and the Eagles will head into the finals with confidence.
Again it's too late at night to try and add numbers on the league table but think this win seals finals football for New Lambton. Wallsend are a good side on their day so to win it 5-1 shows a lot of class and the Eagles will head into the finals with confidence.
UNDER 17's:
========
THORNTON
REDBACKS v SOUTH CARDIFF:
UNDER 14's: Thornton Redbacks (Ryan Formosa) 1 def by. SOUTH CARDIFF (Jacob Prebendarcik, Own Goal & Finn Abbott) 3
Have a feeling that the top four is assured now in the 14's depending on the Wallsend v New Lambton result but with injuries apparently hindering them, the Eagles will have to do it the hard way if at all. As for these teams, they're now both out of contention but a good win for Southy and had to look twice at Ryan Formosa's name as a Thornton goalscorer on the message I received. The goalkeeper somehow found the back of the net.
UNDER
15's: Thornton Redbacks (Harrison Bridges) 1 def by. SOUTH CARDIFF (Harrison Black & Tom Sainsbury) 2
This talented Thornton side will miss out on finals football due to their inconsistency this season. That's now 7 wins and 8 losses with 0 draws so a platform to build on for next season. As for Southy, they are heading to the finals and can build their form in whatever games they have remaining before the playoffs begin.
This talented Thornton side will miss out on finals football due to their inconsistency this season. That's now 7 wins and 8 losses with 0 draws so a platform to build on for next season. As for Southy, they are heading to the finals and can build their form in whatever games they have remaining before the playoffs begin.
UNDER
17's: Thornton Redbacks (Brayden Smallwood) 1 def by. SOUTH CARDIFF (Mitchell Preston x2 & Kai West) 3
For the third time in four seasons, the U17's Wooden Spoon will unfortunately be heading to Thornton after the Redbacks succumbed to Southy in a bottom of the table match-up. Some bragging rights here with ex-Redback Mitchell Preston scoring two against the club he left during pre-season.
========
For the third time in four seasons, the U17's Wooden Spoon will unfortunately be heading to Thornton after the Redbacks succumbed to Southy in a bottom of the table match-up. Some bragging rights here with ex-Redback Mitchell Preston scoring two against the club he left during pre-season.
========
TORONTO-AWABA
v SINGLETON STRIKERS
UNDER
14's: Toronto-Awaba (TBC) 1 drew. Singleton Strikers (TBC) 1
A huge points gap separates Toronto in 8th and Singleton in 9th but today the Strikers came away with a positive result on the road as they held the Stags to a 1-1 draw. Very tough game for Singo but something out of it at least. Toronto will be frustrated at not winning no doubt.
A huge points gap separates Toronto in 8th and Singleton in 9th but today the Strikers came away with a positive result on the road as they held the Stags to a 1-1 draw. Very tough game for Singo but something out of it at least. Toronto will be frustrated at not winning no doubt.
UNDER 17's: Toronto-Awaba
(TBC) 1 drew. Singleton Strikers (TBC) 1
Singleton to their credit have put together a decent second half of the year to climb the 17's ladder a little bit but still, Toronto dropping points is a slight surprise considering the finals race that they find themselves in. That leaves them in a tight spot. Haven't updated the ladders yet but assuming it'll be tough from here to make it.
Singleton to their credit have put together a decent second half of the year to climb the 17's ladder a little bit but still, Toronto dropping points is a slight surprise considering the finals race that they find themselves in. That leaves them in a tight spot. Haven't updated the ladders yet but assuming it'll be tough from here to make it.
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