FOOTBALL
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The Maitland Magpies have one foot in the First Division grand final after a 2-0 win away to Belmont Swansea in the first leg of their semi-final on Sunday.
The Magpies set the tone for the victory with a polished first-half performance at Blacksmiths Oval.
After good lead-up play from Tyson Fletcher, Adam Humble’s finish put Maitland 1-0 up midway through the first half.
The visitors had a number of other chances to extend their lead before half-time, including a Ben Martin header that was cleared off the line.
The in-form Martin then scored Maitland’s second goal late in the game to confirm the result.
Maitland will now host Belmont Swansea in the second leg at Cooks Square Park on Saturday afternoon and despite the two-goal advantage, Magpies coach Anthony Richards wasn’t getting carried away.
“It’s only half-time for us, we didn’t sing the song after the game as we haven’t achieved anything yet,” he said.
“Football’s a funny game and anything can happen, we’re happy with where we are but we’ve still got a lot of work to get there.
“The players really want to finish on a high, and that’s our focus now after not winning the minor premiership.”
Richards said Humble (knee) was the only injury concern but expected him to be fit for Saturday, while
Arturo Diaz and Callum Penglaze should also return.
The win capped a perfect weekend for the Magpies, with the under 23s defeating Thornton 3-0 and the under 19s recording a 2-0 win over Belmont Swansea.
In the other first-grade semi-final Adamstown Rosebuds defeated West Wallsend 4-0, while Thornton also tasted success with a 3-1 win over Cessnock in the under 19s.