The Magpies moved a point further away from relegation after equalising late for a 1-all draw against Charlestown City but the Bears missed a chance at second position and instead slipped to fourth following a 5-1 thumping by Hamilton.

Maitland are now three points clear of last-placed South Cardiff with two rounds remaining and Weston, who are guaranteed a semi-final spot, can finish anywhere from second to fifth, depending on results.

Magpies coach Reece Thompson said it was far from ideal after creating multiple chances at Lisle Carr Oval on Sunday, but Joel Wood’s 86th minute header meant Maitland walked away with something rather than nothing from the round-16 encounter.

“I’ve never seen a game of football like it. We dominated the second half, but just couldn’t score,” he said.

“We created so many chances, but we just couldn’t kick it into the back of the net.

“We probably deserved to win but, after going 1-0 down with 10 to go, we’ll take the draw.

“That puts us three points clear with two games to go and we have a better goal difference [than South Cardiff].”

South Cardiff were beaten 2-0 by league leaders Edgeworth on Friday night, which leaves the Gunners on nine points and Maitland on 12.

Newcastle Jets Youth (13), who were beaten 5-2 by Broadmeadow (26) at Magic Park on Sunday, and Charlestown City (14) are next best on the overall standings.

Adamstown’s play-off aspirations may have been dashed after sixth-placed Rosebud (22) were thrashed 6-0 by title holders Lambton (31). 

The Jaffas jumped Weston (29) into third spot after the Bears capitulated against Olympic at Darling Street Oval on Sunday.

Bears coach Trevor Morris, who will not be in charge of the side next year, labelled it an awful performance.

The Bears conceded three goals in the opening 15 minutes and a further two in the second half before Weston midfielder Garry McDermott opened the visitors’ account.

“We were awful,” Morris said.

“What we pride ourselves on most was the worst part of our game – defence.

“We gifted them goals because of break downs at the back and poor ­execution.”

Weston now face Broadmeadow and Edgeworth on the run home, while Maitland has Lambton and Hamilton.

Edgeworth 36

Hamilton 33

Lambton 31

Weston 29

Broadmeadow 26

Adamstown 22

Charlestown City 14

Newcastle Jets Youth 13

Maitland 12

South Cardiff 9