It is crunch time for the Maitland Magpies.
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With just three games to go and only two points clear of last place, the Magpies are in danger of relegation after just their first season back in the Northern NSW Football National Premier League.
It makes this Sunday’s clash with Charlestown City Blues at Lisle Carr Oval even more important for the Magpies.
“It’s a big one for us,” Magpies coach Reece Thompson said.
“We have put ourselves into this position and now we need to get ourselves out of it.
“We need to find that camaraderie and do it for each other. Not only first grade, but the whole club and all the juniors.”
The battle at the bottom of the ladder heated up after results on the weekend, with four competition points now separating the last three sides.
Maitland (11 points) were beaten 2-0 by Adamstown. Weston did their neighbours a favour with a 1-0 win over Charlestown City (13), but this allowed South Cardiff (9) back into the picture following a 3-1 win against Broadmeadow.
It leaves the Magpies treading a thin line between success and failure.
Victory in round 16 would see Maitland jump Charlestown and move as high as seventh; potentially five points clear of South Cardiff with two fixtures to play.
Defeat in the same encounter could see Maitland slip deep into the relegation zone and one behind South Cardiff if the Gunners account for league leaders Edgeworth at Jack McLaughlin Oval on Friday night.
A draw for Maitland and all options remain on the table.
“The long story short – the ball’s in our court,” Thompson said.
“They [South Cardiff] are relying on us to lose and if we win can that just about puts us clear.
“Southy play before us [Friday] so we will know what we need to do by Sunday, but if they win it will be a sleepless night on Saturday.”
Weston (29) have a battle for second spot with Hamilton (30) at Darling Street Oval on Sunday.
Both matches kick-off at 2.30pm.
Edgeworth 33
Hamilton 30
Weston 29
Lambton 28
Broadmeadow 23
Adamstown 22
Newcastle Jets Youth 13
Charlestown City 13
Maitland 11
South Cardiff 9