It's the biggest match of the season for the Maitland Magpies in firsts grade and the 20s on Saturday when they host NPL power side Broadmeadow Magic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At stake is the must-win games for the Magpies are a place in the first grade play-offs and an historic minor premiership for the 20s.
The Maitland FC Old Boys will be out in force but this is an occasion for all Maitland sports fans to lend their support to the local team and pack out Cooks Square Park for the 20s clash from 4pm and the first grade fixture under lights from 6pm.
Maitland must beat Magic in first grade to guarantee a finals spot and there will be plenty of nerves across the ground. Rivals for the fourth spot in the play-offs Hamilton Olympic host the Weston Bears at the same kick-off time.
The Magpies 20s, are equal on points and goal difference with Broadmeadow a the top of the table but must win to claim the minor premiership as Magic has scored more goals.
Maitland could potentially finish fourth depending on results in the games between Hamliton Olympic (third) and Weston Bears (ninth) and Newcastle Jets Youth (fourth) and Charlestown (fifth).
“I couldn’t be happier with how we are travelling at the moment,” Magpies coach Mick Bolch
“We’ve been going since last November and it all culminates on Saturday night.
“I’d rather be in our situation than Olympics situation. Realistically the boys have everything to play for.
“If we can beat Lambton last week and beat Magic this week we thoroughly deserve to be in the semi-finals. I’m sure they’ll all be up for it.”
Bolch said Ryan Clarke, Matt Thompson and Andrew Swan were sore but after recovery early in the week would ready to play on Saturday night
“I expect to have everyone available who was available last week. We need to have the same intensity as we had against Jaffas,” he said.
“Both games kick off at 6pm so I’m sure there’ll be plenty on YouTube to see what is going on at the other ground as the game progresses.
“Saturday’s game is about 90 minutes of no-mistake football and taking our chances and hopefully the rest takes care of itself.
“The defensive effort in the second-half of the season has been outstanding.
“Zach Thomas and Alex Read have formed a really good combination in the middle of the backline and the two Swans and Carl Thornton as a holding midfield have done really well.
“Clarkey (Ryan Clarke) and Pratty (Sean Pratt) were outstanding on the weekend. Clarkey hadn’t played for four or five weeks and was a danger every time he got the ball. Pratty scored a good goal and was busy all over the park.
“Four of our last five games have been Edgeworth, Olympic, Jaffas and Magic. We’ve had that tough run coming into the semi-finals so we’ll definitely be ready when they come around.”