On paper the Maitland Magpies should keep their season alive with victory over Adamstown Rosebud on Sunday.
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Unfortunately, things have not been going as would be expected for the Magpies, who are struggling to find the back of the net and at the same time are being punished for every defensive slip up.
For the second week in a row, a header from an unmarked opponent has cost the Magpies points, this time in a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United at Cooks Square Park last Sunday.
"We do not have the depth of other squads, but we have a team which should be playing semi-finals. After taking the premiers plate last year it would be extremely disappointing to miss out on finals this year," Magpies coach Mick Bolch said.
Sitting on 13 points, Maitland are one point outside the top five and can climb as high as fourth with a victory.
"It's still in our own hands, but if we don't take three points on Sunday our season is finished," Bolch said of the Mapgies, who face top side Edgeworth at home next before closing the season on the road against Valentine.
The Weston Bears, who are sixth with 14 points, also have a must-win game at home on Saturday against Lambton.