Maitland moved to within reach of the top four with a 1-0 win against Weston Bears in their Northern NSW National Premier League catch-up game on Wednesday.
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A long-range strike from Matt Comerford on three minutes gave Maitland the lead over Weston at Cooks Square Park.
Weston pressed late for an equaliser but Maitland, who were missing Andrew Pawiak, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, Ben Martin, Zach Hill, Joshua Dutton-Black and Ryan Broadley, hung on.
The Magpies dug deep into their youth ranks with Jayden Ziernik and Matthew Sokulsky making starting debuts and Josh Williams, Harry Gordon and Tommy Duggan all debuting from the bench.
Maitland coach Phil Dando said he was delighted with the result which left Maitland with 10 points from six games in 22 days.
“Matt Comeford scored a cracker to get us on the board and I was delighted for him as it was a great reward for his efforts over the past month,” Dando said.
“He had a top game on Wednesday night and continued his great form. He is willing to do whatever is asked of him,” he said.
Dando said the under-20 inclusions stood tall in the absence of seven missing first grade players.
“We had minor injuries to Andrew Pawiak, Zach Hill, Joshua Dutton-Black and Ryan Broadley and a couple of other players had work commitments,” he said.
“It was tremendous to give the boys the time they needed to recover and come away with the points.
“We are going to err every time in giving players extra time, but I think all four should be available for selection on Sunday.
The Magpies face promoted team Lake Macquarie at Cooks Square Park on Sunday for their first day fixture.
“We are through our catch-up games and things return to normal a bit. We have Warner's Bay away in the fourth round of the FFA Cup on Tuesday night and then another game on Sunday against Broadmeadow Magic.
“It means nine games in a month, but we have got through well and we really want to push further into the FFA Cup. Our goal is to make the round of 32.”
The Bears are away to Hamilton Olympic on Sunday.
Show your colours
The Magpies have rescheduled their Community Day celebrations to Sunday with every child wearing Maitland sporting colours and an accompanying adult to get free entry to the game at Cook Square Park.
The main games kicks off at 2.30pm. Games start from 10.45am with the 18s followed by the 20s at 12.30pm.
The club is hoping to make the day an annual event with other Maitland teams.
