Maitland's twin strike stars Braedyn Crowley and Joel Wood both scored doubles but lost their golden touch in front of goals in the second half and both could have ended with four or five each.

The Magpies got off to the worst possible start with Lake Macquarie's Beau Wilkins heading unguarded from the six-yard box when Maitland's defence was caught flat-footed by a set-play from a free kick.

Maitland began to assume control and Wood struck home the equaliser in the 10^th minute.

Nick Cowburn was creating plenty of opportunities up forward and Crowley capitalised when he headed the ball home in the 28^th minute.

Three minutes later he had his double when the ball spilled from the back of the contest and he smashed a volley into the back of the net.

Despite a dozen or more gilt edged opportunities the Magpies did not add to their total until extra time when Wood tapped the ball in after the Lake Macquarie keeper was unable to control a header off a Maitland free kick.

Barring execution, Magpies coach Mick Bolch was very happy with the performance which sets up a tantalising El Clasicoal Derby at Weston next Sunday after the Bears secured a 3-1 away win against Lambton Jaffas on Saturday.

"I'd like to know how many shots on target, but their keeper did a fantastic job to deny us what could have been several more goals.

"We're creating plenty of opportunities, the ball movement was really good.

"Another day Crowley and Woodsy get four or five each.

"We kept them in it in the second half, just that final touch deserted us but it will get better each week."

Bolch said after conceding a goal so early the team showed real character in the final 35 minutes of the first half to take a 3-1 lead into the break.

"I think our front three Woodsy and Crowley and Cowburn was really good in the first half.

"Unfortunately, Andrew Swan got a bit of an injury and we had to take him at half-time and switch Cowby back into the middle because I though he was very effective up front early on with his crossing and set up play on both feet."

Joey O'Connor came on to replace Swan and performed very well, narrowly missing a goal himself and setting up several opportunities.

"He was unlucky to not have a goal himself, he put himself in some really good areas," Bolch said of the Maitland-raised O'Connor in his first season with the Magpies after playing with the Jets Youth.

"He was really good for us last week when he came on as well. There are some really good boys there with Tommy Duggan bringing some energy in the last 15 minutes of the game."