The Maitland Magpies are never short of incentive to beat fierce rivals Newcastle Olympic, but at Cooks Square Park on Sunday it is all about the points.
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Three points for victory will give the third-placed Maitland a nine-point break over fifth-placed Olympic in the race to secure a top four spot and finals action.
Conversely a loss and an Olympic victory in their catch-up game next Wednesday against Broadmeadow, from a wash-out on Sunday, could see the two teams locked on 22 points with six games remaining.
The Magpies take winning form into Sunday after ending a three-game win-less streak with 1-0 victory against Lake Macquarie City at Cook Square Park on Friday night.
Three points and a clean sheet in the end were all that counted as the Magpies laboured to claim the win against a City side which was reduced to 10-men in the 25th minute when goalkeeper Shayne Van As was red carded for handling the ball outside his area.
Maitland had the best of the chances but could not covert their opportunities. They eventually broke the deadlock in the 54th minute through Jimmy Thompson who pounced on a ball played through by Tyrell Paulson to beat the goal keeper.
Numbers were squared when Magpies midfielder Chris Fayers received his second yellow in the 71st and was sent from the field but the Magpies remained resolute in defence in their best defensive effort for several weeks.
Bolch said it was an improved game at the back and particularly pleasing to keep a clean sheet again.
However, he said the Magpies still needed to work on their delivery particularly in the front third.
"It was good to keep a clean sheet again after some costly lapses in recent games," Bolch said of the win which keeps Maitland in third place on the ladder with 22 points.
"However, we are still very indecisive with the ball and our passing. Several times in promising positions we over possessed the ball.
"During our winning streak at the start of the year our passes were sticking and we making the right decisions on whether to pass or take a shot.
"It's all about confidence and you are going to have some highs and lows with a young team.
"The good thing is that we know what works and I believe it is only a matter of time before we get back to that."
Maitland coach proud despite loss
Maitland's three game winning streak in the Herald Women's Premier League came to an abrupt end with a 4-0 loss to top side Newcastle Olympic at Darling Street on Saturday.
Maitland coach Keelan Hamilton was proud of his side's efforts despite the big loss.
"Really very proud of our girls. We played some good football at times and created some clear chances. Olympic's goalkeeper had a strong match," he told the NorthernNSWFootball website.
Maitland, who are fourth, host New Lambton on Saturday.