Maitland captain Sophie Stapleford produced an individual hat-trick then provided the assist for two more goals as the Magpies overpowered Newcastle Olympic 5-0 at Darling Street Oval in round two of National Premier Leagues Women Northern NSW on Sunday.
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It was the second big loss in as many outings for Olympic, who were the 2020 champions and premiers and finished a close second in a COVID-shortened season last year.
It was the second big win for Maitland who now sit second equal on six points with Warners Bay (first) and Broadmeadow Magic (third) with nine goals for and 0 against.
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Stapleford proved lethal from the set piece, scoring with a free kick from just outside the area in the seventh minute then converting from the penalty spot in the 32nd. She added another in the 47th before setting up Chelsea Greguric (54th) then Sophie Jones (60th).
The victory has set up a blockbuster on Friday night when the Magpies take on Broadmeadow at Magic Park.
"Friday night, weather permitting we get on, will be a really good test. I'm really looking forward to it," Magpies coach David Walker said.
Walker said the Magpies played brilliantly at stages and Stapleford was outstanding with a hat-trick.
But as good as the skipper was up front, Walker was equally impressed with defender Toria Campbell.
"They played brilliantly. It was a really good performance," he said.
"I think a very close too Sophie and maybe even player of the match for me was Toria Campbell. She was excellent in central defence.
"We started a little bit shaky in that area and she settled things down nicely in that area."
Walker said the work rate across the pitch was impressive and led to the goals.
"There was work all over the park. Bronte Peel her work and defensive work up front for us to win the ball and create those opportunities was outstanding," he said.
"The first two goals were from a free kick and then a penalty, but the next three were just brilliant team goals. That's the pleasing part for me."
Walker said he believed the 5-0 result was a reflection of Maitland's improvement but also Olympic dropping off without key personnel.
"I think on the day Maitland have taken steps forward. The continuity of the group from last year and this is a progression of what was commenced last year under Keelan Hamilton.
"The end of last season gave the players a lot of confidence about what they can achieve as a squad."
Points: Warners Bay 6, Maitland 6, Broadmeadow 6, Adamstown 3, Azzurri 3, Olympic 0, Mid Coast 0, New Lambton 0.
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