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After 12 long years in the football wilderness, Maitland will return to the top flight of Northern NSW football after an emphatic 8-0 win over Toronto Awaba at Cooks Square Park.
A Roger Dowdell hat-trick, two goals to Luke Lawless, a strike from Harry Maguire and penalties to Blake Thompson and Benn Kelly completed the eight-goal rout and secured Maitland a place in 2015’s Northern NSW National Premier League.
The Magpies led 3-0 at half-time and were never troubled in securing the result that saw them back in the top tier for the first time since 2002.
Coach Graham Law, in his first season with the club after joining from Adamstown Rosebud, paid tribute to his players for a professional performance.
“As a coach and in my first year as a head coach I couldn’t ask for anything more from my players,” he said.
“I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of guys.
“I said to them at half-time I didn’t really know what to say and they said you’re smiling for once, that says it all.
“To do it in that style as well, 8-0 and we were very professional, we deserved it.”
Law said having Maitland back in the top division was a great boost for football in the area.
“It’s great for the community, look at the number of people here, it’s just fantastic,” he said.
“This is all about the club and the community, it’s great for them, I couldn’t be prouder.”
Law said there was still a chance he could be around to lead Maitland into the top flight next season despite speculation linking him to the vacant Adamstown Rosebud job.
“I’m speaking to the club on Tuesday,” he said.
“Reece (assistant coach Reece Thompson) and I will sit down and talk with Maitland, I said I would speak with Maitland first and that hasn’t changed.
“Football is about passion and heart but in life decisions you’ve got to let your head rule your heart.”
The win sees Maitland finish on top of the first division table with 60 points, three clear of Valentine.
The Magpies lost only once in their 21 league fixtures and will now face Thornton over two legs for a place in the grand final.
Maitland will replace Lake Macquarie in the NPL after the Roosters were relegated.
BREAKOUT BOX
Northern NSW First Division Table
Maitland 60
Valentine 57
Belmont Swansea 34
Thornton 24
Toronto Awaba 20
Cessnock City 19
Singleton 17
West Wallsend 11