Maitland will host fellow promotion hopefuls Valentine at Cooks Square Park with both teams aware that results against each other will greatly influence their chances of playing in the 2015 National Premier League.

The Magpies, who have not been in the top tier of Northern New South Wales football since 2003, were bitterly disappointed to miss out on promotion to Adamstown Rosebud last season and are on the hunt again in 2014.

And Kelly, who has State League experience with Hamilton and Weston, said his team is ready for battle.

“To be honest, I think we’ve been looking forward to it since January 11 when we started pre-season,” he said.

“We’re approaching every game as a grand final this season, we want to win every game.”

Maitland have started the new campaign well and thrashed West Wallsend 8-0 on Saturday, while Valentine edged past Toronto Awaba 2-1.

The Magpies have built a strong squad under new coach Graham Law and will welcome back Corey Fletcher (suspension) and Tyson Fletcher (work commitments) for tonight.

Kelly said the strength of the bench showed how good the squad is.

“We’ve got Alex King who came over from Cessnock has done really well when he’s come on and Dave Mudd came off the bench on the weekend,” he said.

“I think that shows how good a squad we’ve got.

“Joel Page has been doing a great job with Corey out and we’re just strong everywhere.”

The middle of the park may again be the key to victory tonight, with the Broadley brothers Justin, Chris and Ryan making up three of Maitland’s four-man midfield.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper said their combination was vital for Maitland to get a result.

“Ryan has been doing a really good job at the base and Jutty has pushed further forward behind the strikers,” he said. “They do so well for us and as well as being strong at the back we know we’re strong all over the park.”

Kick off is at 7.45pm.