The Maitland Magpies want a huge turn out of Old Boys and Maitland sports fans for Sunday’s crucial home game against Broadmeadow Magic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Magpies need wins in their final three games starting with Magic to ensure they secure a semi-finals spot.
“We would love all our Old Boys as well as all Maitland sports fans in general to get along and make a racket,” coach Phil Dando said on Thursday.
“Our destiny’s still in our own hands, but every little bit of help including an intimidating, raucous home crowd will help.
“The equation is pretty simple from now, we need to win our last three games. If we can do that we shouldn’t have to worry about other results.”
The Magpies are sixth on the ladder, two points behind Magic in fifth.
To claim a spot in the finals, Maitland must dislodge Magic or fourth placed Valentine who are two points clear of Broadmeadow.
Dando said he expected a first class encounter, with Magic keen to atone for their previous meeting this year when Maitland smashed them 7-0.
Broadmeadow’s form has turned sharply since then and they have won their past eight games in all competitions, including their past six NPL fixtures.
“Winning runs always come to an end and we’re hoping we can end Magic’s run on Sunday,” he said.
“I think they will also have one eye on Wednesday’s FFA Cup fixture, so that may work in our favour as well.”
Broadmeadow travel to Brisbane where they take on Moreton Bay United in the round of 32.
Josh Dutton-Black is the Magpies’ major injury worry, pulling up sore after Sunday’s 4-0 win against Lake Macquarie.
However, Dando said a flu had gone around the club and they would be monitoring how players were affected before finalising the team.
“Hopefully they will all be OK but it has complicated things a bit,” he said.
The Magpies under 20s will be looking to move ahead of Magic on the ladder with a win. The teams are equal on points and a victorious Maitland would move up to third.
Maitland’s under-18s are sitting in 6th spot, six points behind 4th, so semi-finals are looking unlikely but a win on Sunday would keep Magic behind them, so there is plenty to play for.
Games start from 10.45am. First grade kick-off is 2.30pm.
