The Saints, still without key personnel, scored two goals to five in the last-term after leading by 22 points at the final break at Gosford’s Adcock Park.

Their 12.10-82 to 12.8-80 win cemented their spot in the top four and gives them a game break from the Tigers, who sit in fifth.

Maitland has been forced to blood young talent because of a long injury list and will reap the rewards in the long-term.

However, it has left the Saints susceptible to late fade-outs with the youngsters unable to maintain four-quarter pressure against more experienced and fitter opponents.

Experienced campaigners such as Chis Pedler and Ben Stewart have stepped up to help the inexperienced and young Saints team.

Star forwards Wade Beard and Pat McMahon were welcome returns to the line-up.

McMahon kicked four goals and Beard shrugged off the affects of the flu to slot home three majors.

Beard spent time in the midfield as well as up forward in a best-on-ground performance.

He was ably supported by Luke Damico whose electrifying speed continues to break lines and give the Saints forwards first use of the ball.

Travis Magyar put in another strong performance and ruckman Hayden Taylor continues to show why he was selected in the BDAFL’s youth team earlier this year with another gutsy showing.

Taylor kicked three goals for the under-manned reserves and backed up in the ruck in the division one fixture.

DIVISION 1

Maitland 3.5, 6.6, 10.9, 12.10-82 def Gosford 1.3, 4.4, 7.5, 12.8-80

MAITLAND: Goal kickers: P. McMahon 4, W. Beard 3, B. Stewart 2, G. Lambert 2, L. Damico. Best players: W. Beard, L. Damico, C. Pedler, P. McMahon, T. Magyar, H. Taylor.

DIVISION 2

Gosford 4.4, 5.6, 10.10, 14.13-97 def Maitland 2.1, 5.4, 6.6, 9.7-61

MAITLAND: Goal kickers: H. Taylor 3, C. Carroll 2, C. Sargent, A. Hansen, H. Matheson, M. Pedler. Best players: M. Pedler, M. Curran, A. Hansen, K. Greaves, H. Matheson, T. Williams

BDAFL WOMEN’S

Gosford 3.5, 8.7, 11.9, 12.13-85 def Maitland 0.0, 0.0, 2.3, 2.3-15

MAITLAND: Goal kickers: H. Hill, T. Quinton-Widl. Best players: C. Kalatzis, S. Forge, C. Gaspersic, L. Quigley, J. Bassett, J. Cassidy