The Maitland Magpies have kicked off their preseason trials with a convincing 4-0 win against Lake Macquarie City on Monday night.
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A young squad had a 2-1 loss to Northern League One premiers Belmont Swansea on Wednesday night and the club will have it's third game in a week on Saturday when they play Cooks Hill United at Cooks Square Park from 6.15pm.
"They've got a big workload this week so we will see how they go at the end of the week," Magpies coach Mick Bolch said.
On Monday night Liam Thornton scored from a corner, Jimmy Thompson and Tommy Duggan also picked up goals and Braedyn Crowley converted a penalty.
"They looked good in a few patches. Obviously with a few new players it is going to take a bit of time for things to click, but I was happy
"We had a few out, Joel Woods, Andrew Swan and Tommy Davies were away.
"Matt Comerford in his first game back from injury played about 60 minutes and he looked good.
"The front third of Cummo, Braedyn Crowley and Jimmy Thompson caused problems all night for Lakes.
"Cummo is hyperactive at the best of times, so we're trying to keep a bit of a leash on him as we try to build him up for the start of the competition in six weeks.
"It's hard as he hasn't played for 18 months and is like a bull at a gate. It's all about being ready for that first game against Edgeworth.
"We've lost a few players and it's a young team than it was last year, but I think we've got a really good balance once again."
Magpies defensive recruits Joey O'Connoer and Adam Blunded both had strong games on Monday night.
"Joey O'Connor played the whole game at right fullback and did really well and Adam played probably 40 minutes at centre-half and the rest at left fullback," Bolch said. "They both slotted in and played really well."
Bears begin Cup campaign
The Weston Bears meet reigning Heritage Cup champions and Northern NSW NPL grand final winners Edgeworth Eagles in Friday's nights opening match of the Heritage Cup.
The competition, for Hunter clubs with 100 years or more years of unbroken history, has been expanded to include community club Kurri Kurri JFC this season.
Weston play three games in a week starting with Edgeworth at Jack McLaughlan Oval at 7pm, before facing Nothern League One club New Lambton on Wednesday at Speers Point from 8.15pm and Kurri Kurri again at Speers Point on Friday in the final pool game.
Kurri Kurri play Edgeworth on Wednesday at Speers Point as well.
The Cessnock City Hornets also open the Heritage Cup on Friday night when they meet Adamstown Rosebud at Adamstown Oval at 7pm before hosting Merewether Advance at Turner Park on Tuesday at 6.45pm.
The Bears began their trials with 3-1 loss to North West Sydney Spirit.
New recruit Jarryd Sutherland, from Olympic, withdrew from the game after feeling a tweak in his thigh.
The club was very pleased with the hit-out for the squad of 15, which included four teenagers.