2025 Northern League One

[Aegon]

.

[Alton]

.
Any new signings anyone?

[Hunter403]

Any new signings anyone?

Check Facebook. A few announcments there

[Yesk21]

Any news/bold predictions?

[Taffy]

Toronto
Lakes
Kahibah
South Cardiff
West Wallsend
Singleton
Thornton
Cessnock
Dudley
Wallsend

[Yesk21]

Toronto
Lakes
Kahibah
South Cardiff
West Wallsend
Singleton
Thornton
Cessnock
Dudley
Wallsend

I think it?s an even closer comp next year, Cessnock are the big improvers who will go close to playoffs
Toronto
Kahibah
Lakes
Westy
Singo
Cessnock
Thornton
Dudley
South Cardiff
Wallsend

[GO AWAY]

Toronto
Westy
Lakes
Cessnock
Kahibah
Southy
Singo
Dudley
Thornton
Wallsend

[Taffy]

I think it?s an even closer comp next year, Cessnock are the big improvers who will go close to playoff

I don't know, it's only November, ask me again in March and I'll probably have a different answer

I know some clubs have had trials, but many others haven't at least one isn't starting training until late January.

[The Hacker]

I don't know, it's only November, ask me again in March and I'll probably have a different answer

I know some clubs have had trials, but many others haven't at least one isn't starting training until late January.

What?s people?s thoughts on best time to start for a non professional comp. The comp is 4-5 months away if you start late Jan gives a 2month preseason.

If you have experience in your squad and most people look after themselves 8 weeks or so is good.
Are the teams starting now on the younger side?

Proof will be in the results I guess

[Yesk21]

My opinion is the competition is long enough as it is. Comps aren?t won in March/april. 2 month pre season

[Addios]

If you really love the game, youd want to play 9 months. Take the summer off.

[Jim]

My opinion is the competition is long enough as it is. Comps aren?t won in March/april. 2 month pre season

Reckon Belswans had it won in the first 2 months.

[The Hacker]

Tough welcome to the comp for Dudley against one of this years favourites. Will give everyone an indication where they are at

[GO AWAY]

Darren Stewart Cup
Lyall Peacock Oval
February 1st

Toronto Awaba v Apia 2pm
Jets youth v McArthur youth 4pm

Come support ? talk to me bros ? proceeds to mental health awareness.

[Yesk21]

Any other trial games coming up for clubs?

[Yesk21]

Any trial games and results?

[Taffy]

How many clubs are back yet?

[GO AWAY]

Stags returned last night. First trial Feb 1 with I think about six trials leading in to March 15 KO

[The Hacker]

Stags returned last night. First trial Feb 1 with I think about six trials leading in to March 15 KO

How many teams did a block between Xmas. I heard 2 clubs are back training 3 times a week. Surely not

[Zone Insider]

How many teams did a block between Xmas. I heard 2 clubs are back training 3 times a week. Surely not

Who cares if they wanna train 5 nights a week.

Each to their own

[Taffy]

Darren Stewart Cup
Lyall Peacock Oval
February 1st

Toronto Awaba v Apia 2pm
Jets youth v McArthur youth 4pm

Come support ? talk to me bros ? proceeds to mental health awareness.

Is BarTV covering this again? Unfortunately out of town this year but hoping to still watch it.

[GO AWAY]

Is BarTV covering this again? Unfortunately out of town this year but hoping to still watch it.

Yes they are mate

[GO AWAY]

How good to see another two locals come home to Toronto Awaba in Luke CAllen and Sam MAxwell. Great signings

[ForeverRed]

How good to see another two locals come home to Toronto Awaba in Luke CAllen and Sam MAxwell. Great signings
Where have they been Go Away ?

[GO AWAY]

Where have they been Go Away ?



Azzurri and NL respectively

[Zone Insider]

Azzurri and NL respectively

Stags opened their wallet by the looks

[Yesk21]

Stags opened their wallet by the looks
Wouldn?t say they opened their wallets, more like local players returning to play with their mates

[Zone Insider]

Wouldn?t say they opened their wallets, more like local players returning to play with their mates

Yeh ok lol

[Yesk21]

Yeh ok lol

Not a bad assumption though mate

[GO AWAY]

Wouldn?t say they opened their wallets, more like local players returning to play with their mates

Absolutely this.

[Undertaker]

Considering both live within a 5 minute drive of Lyall Peacock it clearly is a move to play locally

[Bon]

Absolutely this.

Would you say they opened their "Purce"?? :brrr:

[Yesk21]

Any trial results yet?

[Buddha]

Any trial results yet?

Stags had a trial against Valo 1sts Monday night. Think the score was 5-3 Valo. Stags up 3-2 at HT

[ABCDEF]

Reading this thread and the ZL1 threads and from what I?ve heard around town it sounds like quite a few fringe/reserve grade NPL players have signed for clubs throughout the divisions - in this comp Toronto, West Wallsend, Singleton, South Cardiff I have heard have all picked up signings from NPL.

Seems to be more this season than others in my opinion

Is it because:
- promotion makes the lower divisions more attractive to play in (playing for something more than just winning)?

- NPL is too much commitment? (9-10 months of the year 3 nights a week)

- there?s more decent players these days? ( I think the junior systems these days is producing more decent players but not players good enough to go onto higher levels)

Keen to hear if other people have also noticed and if they agree or not

[Yesk21]

Reading this thread and the ZL1 threads and from what I?ve heard around town it sounds like quite a few fringe/reserve grade NPL players have signed for clubs throughout the divisions - in this comp Toronto, West Wallsend, Singleton, South Cardiff I have heard have all picked up signings from NPL.

Seems to be more this season than others in my opinion

Is it because:
- promotion makes the lower divisions more attractive to play in (playing for something more than just winning)?

- NPL is too much commitment? (9-10 months of the year 3 nights a week)

- there?s more decent players these days? ( I think the junior systems these days is producing more decent players but not players good enough to go onto higher levels)

Keen to hear if other people have also noticed and if they agree or not
I think the majority of them have stepped back to play with local clubs, whether that?s because of work commitments or sick of some egos in npl/jets systems. There?s also a lot of good young kids coming through the jets system with nowhere to go once they get too old, so everyone just shuffles down

[Eastwest]

I think the majority of them have stepped back to play with local clubs, whether that?s because of work commitments or sick of some egos in npl/jets systems. There?s also a lot of good young kids coming through the jets system with nowhere to go once they get too old, so everyone just shuffles down

Exactly. It's hard to break into Sydney NPL when they players already there that are equal or a touch below NNSW lads.
Each club looks after their own unless a newcomer is clearly better. With Aleague you need all the skills, alot of luck AND know someone who likes you.
I can see why 99.9% cant be bothered.

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Any trial games played this weekend?

[MCG_1997]

Any trial games played this weekend?

Westy 5-1 Bolwarra
Singo 6-1 Southern United

[Kicktheball]

Westy 5-1 Bolwarra
Singo 6-1 Southern United

Stags 3-2 Cardiff, played last night

[Mad with football]

Thornton beat Swansea 3 or 4-1. Starting 11 for Thornton quite strong only 3 players from last years main starters , so a lot of new players time to gel will be competitive, in a tough comp

[MCG_1997]

Thornton beat Swansea 3 or 4-1. Starting 11 for Thornton quite strong only 3 players from last years main starters , so a lot of new players time to gel will be competitive, in a tough comp

They started strong last year and were top 4 for sometimes, before went down, finishing second last. Let's see how their new squad handle the competitiveness of Northern League 1.

[Fergus82]

Is this league being telecast on Bar TV or YouTube this year?

[JustMe]

Is this league being telecast on Bar TV or YouTube this year?

Hope so

[GO AWAY]

Toronto Awaba 6 Doyalson 1

[Fergus82]

Went out to Johnson Park this afternoon to watch Westy v Lake Mac City.

Was a good game. Westy went down to 10 men when the keeper got sent off for an absolute brain fart. Westy then went down to 3-1 with 20 to go, then made an awesome comeback to finish full time at 3-3. Final 5 minutes the reserve keeper went off injured.

Went to penalties and Lake Mac City won 5-3 in penalties.

[Kicktheball]

First Cardiff beat Dudley now they trance Kahibah 3-0?

Considering the competition starts in a few weeks, these teams better get there shit together

[Jardelsimage]

i think southy had 3-3 draw with Kotara?? the other night

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

First Cardiff beat Dudley now they trance Kahibah 3-0?

Considering the competition starts in a few weeks, these teams better get there shit together

The people in the know understand the line up assembled by Kahibah. Congrats to Cardiff none the less.

Lakes will be hard to topple this year.

[GO AWAY]

Stags only beat Cardiff 3-2 and came from 2-0 down for a draw against kotara, so both those sides will go well in their competition. In saying that most NL1 teams would be rotating their best 11.

[Zone Insider]

Southy pulled out of today?s trial with Cardiff because of no ref?s ? Sounds to me like they were scared of getting flogged again by another zone team in the pre season.

[ForeverRed]

Southy pulled out of today?s trial with Cardiff because of no ref?s ? Sounds to me like they were scared of getting flogged again by another zone team in the pre season.
Dumb comment, if you know you know

[Yesk21]

Any trial game results?

[MCG_1997]

Any trial game results?
Kahiba 1-1 Croatia

[Zone Insider]

Any trial game results?

Refs 1-0 Southy

[Taffy]

Southy pulled out of today?s trial with Cardiff because of no ref?s ? Sounds to me like they were scared of getting flogged again by another zone team in the pre season.

Like FR said dumb comment, from what I was told when asked around what was going on. Clubs that play in Northern competitions are prohibited from playing 1st grade games without referees. Sounds like Cardiff did the right thing in sending the sanction to Newcastle Football 2 weeks before the game but Newcastle Football only passed it onto Northern the day before the game and by that point all refs had been assigned to matches with none spare. Northern's rules prohibit their 1st grade teams from playing without assigned refs and therefore it had to be cancelled.

[Alton]

Like FR said dumb comment, from what I was told when asked around what was going on. Clubs that play in Northern competitions are prohibited from playing 1st grade games without referees. Sounds like Cardiff did the right thing in sending the sanction to Newcastle Football 2 weeks before the game but Newcastle Football only passed it onto Northern the day before the game and by that point all refs had been assigned to matches with none spare. Northern's rules prohibit their 1st grade teams from playing without assigned refs and therefore it had to be cancelled.

Poor admin again from Newcastle Football

[Yesk21]

Were there any trial games this weekend? Seems like it could be a very close competition

[GO AWAY]

Lakes 4 southy 2
Stags 4 Dudley 1
Cessnock 1 singo 1
Westy 2 Thornton 1
Kahibah 5 Wallsend 0

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Lakes 4-0 Southy
Toronto 2-1 Dudley
Cessnock 2-1 Singleton
West Wallsend 2-2 Thornton
Kahibah 5-1 Wallsend

[Yesk21]

I don?t think people are giving Wallsend enough credit. Heard of a couple half decent signing and should improve
Lakes 5-2 southy
Toronto 4-0 Dudley
Singo 3-3 Cessnock
Westy 4-1thornton
Kahibah 3-2 Wallsend

[MCG_1997]

Lakes 6-0 South Cardiff
Toronto 2-2 Dudley
Singo 2-1 Cessnock
West Wallsend 4-0 Thornton
Kahibah 5-3 Wallsend

[Alton]

Lakes 6-0 South Cardiff
Toronto 2-2 Dudley
Singo 2-1 Cessnock
West Wallsend 4-0 Thornton
Kahibah 5-3 Wallsend

What is happening at Gunners Red?

[jessepinkman]

What is happening at Gunners Red?

you do realise this is a prediction, not the scores?

[ForeverRed]

What is happening at Gunners Red?
All I know is they had a draw against lakes in a trial 🤷*♂️

[Mad with football]

Do any of you ?wise? people know if the NL1 is going to be streamed this season ? And if so where AND with NNSW new you tube channel for NPL men can?t seem to find any mini matches or highlights of games ? Any ideas ? if not that is very poor BUT come to expect rubbish from that administration

[Jardelsimage]

All I know is they had a draw against lakes in a trial ��*♂️

and now they beat them 3-2

[ForeverRed]

and now they beat them 3-2
Up the gunners

[plague]

Lakes are gonna have such a gun team in ZPL next year.

[Oldy]

Lets see how trial form equates to comp results

[Zone Insider]

Lakes are gonna have such a gun team in ZPL next year.

Wouldn?t make the semis

[GO AWAY]

Toronto Awaba 1 Dudley 0

? Noah ? predebon with some great saves to save a minor blowout, but Dudley were good and tried their guts out, well done to both sides in the heat.

[Mad with football]

I watched Westy v Thornton last night -Westy will be one of the benchmarks in NL1 again they were very good and their # 10 M Paul is a new player looks good and adds strength to them -Thornton were only OK in patches played 3 at the back against wide /fast wingers strange tactics didn?t change and paid the price -see if coach changes his ?plan? - Thornton really need to improve on that didn?t have much up front either

[Taffy]

What is happening at Gunners Red?

They are beating Lakes. Seems people put too much stock in a team that has hardly won a game in NPL to be so much better

[MCG_1997]

They are beating Lakes. Seems people put too much stock in a team that has hardly won a game in NPL to be so much better
I will take my prediction back. Full credit to Southy and I put a line through Lakes. The relegation battle will be between Lakes and Thornton in my opinion.

[Alton]

I will take my prediction back. Full credit to Southy and I put a line through Lakes. The relegation battle will be between Lakes and Thornton in my opinion.
ZL1 playing in a brand new stadium at Macquarie Field

[Yesk21]

Toronto 4-1 Wallsend
Kahibah 3-0 Thornton
Dudley 1-3 Singo
Westy 4-2 southy
Cassock 2-0 lakes

[Mad with football]

I have no confidence in new Thornton coach! They look rubbish long balls- turnovers terrible last night

[Undertaker]

I have no confidence in new Thornton coach! They look rubbish long balls- turnovers terrible last night

80% of teams in Newcastle play long ball

[GO AWAY]

Not sure who Wallsend coach is, but the spray he was giving his players last night after the game was mind blowing. Thought they done okay. 3-0 and could / should been 5 or 6 , but Wallsend made plenty of chances, don?t think the type of spray they copped was warranted and not sure if some players would enjoy copping it.

[MCG_1997]

I have no confidence in new Thornton coach! They look rubbish long balls- turnovers terrible last night
I remember in 2023 they got an interim coach mid season after their coach of the time quit. They were dead last and the interim coach help them get off the bottom, and they missed the finals by 1 point (Southy finished 5th) and Thornton didn't continue with the bloke. They finished 2nd from the bottom last year, and they will be dead last this year.

[The Hacker]

Wandered down to watch Dudley v Singo. Entertaining game for the supporters of Dudley. Should have been 5-0 Singo keeper had a career day with some top draw saves he should be proud of that display. Not often the Dudley old boys heap praise on an opposition player.
Dudley better be doing finishing training this week. Created plenty couldn?t finish them off and scored in the last min. But you take 3 points

Got there for the second half of reserve grade to see the Singo striker spray the ref and cop a straight red. 6-8 week holiday coming up just silly

[ForeverRed]

The lakes coach must be under pressure, they haven?t won many games

[Bustin Janek]

I Would definitely think so considering all the signings they bought in, including 6?6 cb from England. The Squad depth is great too when you look at some of the players in reserve grade, Definitely an issue coming from a coaches perspective.. if you lose 2-1 To cessnock imagine what Kahibah will do to them this weekend, could be near double digits.

[GO AWAY]

Cessnock were the form side back in end of 2024.

[Mad with football]

This is how delusional the Thornton coach is by what was written in the NNSW review -see below
I watched the game and have watched football at all levels for a long time and Thornton wee rubbish no more than 4 pass string all game yet he says this


Thornton Redbacks FC coach Scott Winslade believed his side was the better team in their 4-1 defeat to Kahibah FC at Kahibah Oval on Friday night.

[Addios]

Thornton Redbacks FC coach Scott Winslade believed his side was the better team in their 4-1 defeat to Kahibah FC at Kahibah Oval on Friday night.

:wacko:

[Local Rules]

This is how delusional the Thornton coach is by what was written in the NNSW review -see below
I watched the game and have watched football at all levels for a long time and Thornton wee rubbish no more than 4 pass string all game yet he says this


Thornton Redbacks FC coach Scott Winslade believed his side was the better team in their 4-1 defeat to Kahibah FC at Kahibah Oval on Friday night.

I wonder if Thornton had the better of the game against Sout Cardiff last night in Aus Cup. Looks like they need a defence and keeper with 12 conceded in 3 games with another 4 last night.

[Bustin Janek]

Predictions for this weekend ?
Kahibah 5-1 Lakes
Dudley 4-1 Thornton
Stags 3-0 Singo
Cessnock 2-3 Westy
Southy 8-0 Wallsend

[MCG_1997]

If they don't get washed out, my guess would be:
Kahibah 4-2 Lakes
Dudley 3-2 Thornton
Stags 3-1 Singo
Cessnock 1-4 Westy
Southy 2-3 Wallsend

[Zone Insider]

Kahibah 4-1 lakes
Dudley 3-1 Thornton
Stags 2-2 Singo
Cessnock 2-3 Westy
Southy 3-1 Wallsend

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Kahibah 3-0 lakes
Dudley 2-0 Thornton
Stags 4-1 Singo
Cessnock 1-3 Westy
Southy 5-1 Wallsend

[Yesk21]

Kahiba 4-3 lakes
Dudley 3-1
Stags 3-0
Cessnock 3-2 westy
Southy 2-1 Wallsend

[Yesk21]

Toronto 3-0 singo. 3 games 0 goals conceded for the stags

[GO AWAY]

Westy three reds in last two weeks, discipline hurting them, another clean sheet for stags, one game at a time boys.

[Bustin Janek]

How that number 2 started for lakes in first grade I?ll never know? kicked the ball out more times then he completed passes.
That should be the last time he plays first grade. Coach should be ashamed

[JustMe]

Thornton Redbacks FC 1-3 Toronto Awaba FC
West Wallsend SFC 2-2 Kahibah FC
Dudley Redhead United fc 3-1 Lake Macquarie City FC
Wallsend FC 1- 4 Singleton Strikers FC

[MCG_1997]

Thornton 1-3 Toronto
I can't wait to read post match interview 😃

[GO AWAY]

Thornton 1-3 Toronto
I can't wait to read post match interview 😃

Considering score was actually 3-0 Toronto

4/4 and no goals conceded still

[Taffy]

While a lot of games to go, I think that unless they throw it, Toronto is the team that will be promoted.

[Addios]

Toronto showed enough last yr to earn them a shot at NPL. Repeat that & theyll go close again. Im sure therell be a couple other teams having a say though as well.

[MoSalahh]

Redbacks haven't got much sting this year...

[Yesk21]

Decent 0-0 draw between Wallsend and southy

[Hunter403]

Great result for Kahibah over Toronto today. 4-2 and should have been more.

[GO AWAY]

Great result for Kahibah over Toronto today. 4-2 and should have been more.


You spelt Ka ? heyyyyyyyyy ? ba wrong.

[GO AWAY]

Stags 2 Westy 1

Wasn?t at game but apparently very rough as usual, hope young bloke okay with suspected break

[2ndclasscitizen]

Stags 2 Westy 1

Wasn?t at game but apparently very rough as usual, hope young bloke okay with suspected break

Grots v grots, what a surprise

[Mad with football]

Westy are a good side but have no discipline and that costs them every week and starts from the coaches bench a bunch of idiots and players follow

[Mad with football]

See Thornton lost again , after leading twice , not going well but coach clearly has his favourites and keeps picking same players for same results -season is gone for them talk of promotion in pre-season just a dream, playing to stay out of relegation now, needs to give some other boys a chance & stop relying on the NPL reserve grade boys he signed

[MCG_1997]

See Thornton lost again, playing to stay out of relegation now.

They are the worse team in this comp. As I previously mentioned, they are the team that will be relegated this year. If that happens, not only the coach needs to be sacked, the committee must be sacked too.

[ForeverRed]

They are the worse team in this comp. As I previously mentioned, they are the team that will be relegated this year. If that happens, not only the coach needs to be sacked, the committee must be sacked too.
Who will sack the committee if not the committee

[MCG_1997]

Who will sack the committee if not the committee

I was meant to say committee to sack the President too. Haha.
Regardless, they need new people with clear vision if they are an ambitious club; otherwise, they will end up in ZL1.

[Mad with football]

I think you will find it is a ?very thin? commitee so if the main players go , so possibly will the club , 1st step is for coach to go

[Yesk21]

Kahibah 4-1 Dudley
Lakes 3-3 singo
Southy 4-2 Thornton
Westy 4-0 Thornton
Toronto 3-2 Cessnock

[GO AWAY]

Stags 4-2

Good tough game. Cessnock led 1-0 ht.

[MCG_1997]

Westy 0-2 Wallsend.

Well done to Wallsend for a great win.
How did Southy go v Thornton?

[GO AWAY]

Westy 0-2 Wallsend.

Well done to Wallsend for a great win.
How did Southy go v Thornton?

Southy 4-3

Thornton in danger of ZL1.

any chance a certain Thornton players father with good credentials could take over a coaching role ?

[The Postman]

Southy 4-3

Thornton in danger of ZL1.

any chance a certain Thornton players father with good credentials could take over a coaching role ?

Might take more than a Magic Wand to save Thornton this year!

[Zone Insider]

Stags 4-2

Good tough game. Cessnock led 1-0 ht.

Short turnaround into tomorrow?s cup game for you blokes.

[Local Rules]

Might take more than a Magic Wand to save Thornton this year!

He might have good credentials but this is a results based business. He had them last year and they couldn't maintain their position after a good start and didn't complete the year before so club had interim coach.
Probably a good lower grade coach but has done very little with senior sides in his tenure at a number of clubs.

[Alton]

He might have good credentials but this is a results based business. He had them last year and they couldn't maintain their position after a good start and didn't complete the year before so club had interim coach.
Probably a good lower grade coach but has done very little with senior sides in his tenure at a number of clubs.

Spot on Local

[Alton]

He might have good credentials but this is a results based business. He had them last year and they couldn't maintain their position after a good start and didn't complete the year before so club had interim coach.
Probably a good lower grade coach but has done very little with senior sides in his tenure at a number of clubs.
Spot on Local

[GO AWAY]

Short turnaround into tomorrow?s cup game for you blokes.

Terrible ?.. interesting what coach does considering they are on Friday night as well.

[Reds Forever]

Anyone notice with squadi you can no longer see teamlists and match details. Any reason why this feature is no longer?

[Mad with football]

Watched Thornton v Southey on Sunday entertaining game for 70 minutes both teams attacking and looked like scoring regularly but the last 20 minutes SC leading 4-3 was ATROCIOUS- Southey 10 players behind ball kick it long & hard tactic and Thornton plonk it long into box EVERY TIME was absolute rubbish - clearly no good tactics from the Thornton coach ( who has no idea ) to try something like playing football with the space - both teams will stay bottom of table
Thornton need a big shift with some players who played every game for 4 points!!

[GO AWAY]

Toronto Awaba 6 South Cardiff 0

[Undertaker]

Toronto Awaba 6 South Cardiff 0

Wonder is Perry will give Body another call seeing if he will take on the shipwreck?.

Can?t see him hanging around if they lose to Kahibah Singo and Lakes in the next 3.

[Yesk21]

Toronto signing another npl local, another strong performance from them this week. Southy were ugly at best

[MCG_1997]

Wonder is Perry will give Body another call seeing if he will take on the shipwreck?.

Can?t see him hanging around if they lose to Kahibah Singo and Lakes in the next 3.
Southy's committee did great by giving their coach enough time to implement his vision and get them competitive. However; I reckon the committee gambled on a dead horse by the looks of it.

[pv4]

It would be tough for many defences to handle that front 5 of the Stags, but that Southy defence last night from what I saw were completely not up to it - and their midfield were not helping the cause at all. Any team given that much space and freedom in the front third are going to punish Southy. I've rated Southys high pressing game the last few years but it looks like their back 6 needs some serious work.

[GO AWAY]

No McPherson, Maxwell, Winslade either. With one or maybe two NPL locals putting feelers out to come back. Massive depth. One game at a time. Lakes Friday night at home.

[Alton]

Southy's committee did great by giving their coach enough time to implement his vision and get them competitive. However; I reckon the committee gambled on a dead horse by the looks of it.

He has to go, they will be a relegation favourite shortly

[MCG_1997]

He has to go, they will be a relegation favourite shortly
They have to thank Thornton for being one level worse than them.

[GO AWAY]

5 teams equal last, some with games in hand. 99% it wont happen but I would really hate to see westy in 3rd division. My guess is Thornton or Wallsend.

[THE NNSW MOLE]

I have got good word that there iss a bit of coach movement, This weekend is Perrys last game in charge and south cardiff are getting rid of him.
Thornton are also getting rid of their coach as they have come to mutual termination of his contract with Gary Wand stepping in as interim, im hearing they are in for Mellon and negotiations are ongoing. And last but not least the new southy coach will be Paul Gomez announcement coming Monday. Stay Tuned.

[Trigger]

I have got good word that there iss a bit of coach movement, This weekend is Perrys last game in charge and south cardiff are getting rid of him.
Thornton are also getting rid of their coach as they have come to mutual termination of his contract with Gary Wand stepping in as interim, im hearing they are in for Mellon and negotiations are ongoing. And last but not least the new southy coach will be Paul Gomez announcement coming Monday. Stay Tuned.

So it's safe to go back to Jaffas. Put a lock on the cupboards up there. Lightfingers is in town.

[MCG_1997]

Thornton are also getting rid of their coach as they have come to mutual termination of his contract with Gary Wand stepping in as interim.

Gary Wand stepped away half way through the 2023 season after terrible results. He then returned last year as reserve grade coach until now. It is very hard to understand club decisions' on giving the gig to same people, and not trying new coaches.

[THE NNSW MOLE]

Yeah mate some of these clubs have no clue. You can see why thornton are favourite to be in zone league next year and I?m not sure at this rate they could even win that, Unless Perry can turn it around he lost the dressing room at southy so maybe a blank page at thornton will be good for him.

[Southy Melon]

I have got good word that there iss a bit of coach movement, This weekend is Perrys last game in charge and south cardiff are getting rid of him.
Thornton are also getting rid of their coach as they have come to mutual termination of his contract with Gary Wand stepping in as interim, im hearing they are in for Mellon and negotiations are ongoing. And last but not least the new southy coach will be Paul Gomez announcement coming Monday. Stay Tuned.

First I've heard of this. It's not wise to read into anonymous rumours too heavily.

[Zone Insider]

It would be tough for many defences to handle that front 5 of the Stags, but that Southy defence last night from what I saw were completely not up to it - and their midfield were not helping the cause at all. Any team given that much space and freedom in the front third are going to punish Southy. I've rated Southys high pressing game the last few years but it looks like their back 6 needs some serious work.

Maybe when people said they shouldn?t read into pre season fixtures when they lost 5-0 to Croatia maybe they should have.

[GO AWAY]

Toronto Awaba 3 Dudley 0

Not a good reflection but another clean sheet 6/9. Another NPL local coming home as well.

[The Hacker]

Toronto Awaba 3 Dudley 0

Not a good reflection but another clean sheet 6/9. Another NPL local coming home as well.

I think that?s fair wasn?t a 3-0 game. Pretty tight game where the Stags took their chances and Dudley hit the post twice and that was the difference. Stags more clinical. That could be tough to catch from here

[MoSalahh]

There's a number of ZL1 clubs that need to be in this league and a number of clubs in this league that need to come down.

[GO AWAY]

There's a number of ZL1 clubs that need to be in this league and a number of clubs in this league that need to come down.

Think that?s called promotion and relegation

[The Postman]

There's a number of ZL1 clubs that need to be in this league and a number of clubs in this league that need to come down.

If NNSW had got their wish from several years ago there would already be 16 NPL teams - and at that point, 2nd division would look very different!

My thoughts would be to get NPL to 14, NewFm to 12 with 4 ZL1 teams promoted. You push the current Top 4 (Suns, Croatia, Uni, Kotara) up from ZL1 and get the Stags and Kahibah/Lakes back into NPL. Suddenly the NewFM comp becomes much more interesting, and Zone League 1 is now wide open as well!

[MoSalahh]

If NNSW had got their wish from several years ago there would already be 16 NPL teams - and at that point, 2nd division would look very different!

My thoughts would be to get NPL to 14, NewFm to 12 with 4 ZL1 teams promoted. You push the current Top 4 (Suns, Croatia, Uni, Kotara) up from ZL1 and get the Stags and Kahibah/Lakes back into NPL. Suddenly the NewFM comp becomes much more interesting, and Zone League 1 is now wide open as well!

Would be a far better structure!

[The Postman]

Toronto Awaba 3 Dudley 0

Not a good reflection but another clean sheet 6/9. Another NPL local coming home as well.

Is this mid-season signing number 1 or 2? Seems like they don't want a repeat of last year's attempt at Promotion!

Be good to see the Stag back up there and competitive.

[Undertaker]

Is this mid-season signing number 1 or 2? Seems like they don't want a repeat of last year's attempt at Promotion!

Be good to see the Stag back up there and competitive.

2, Tyrell Paulson from Maitland first and now Jacob Dundas returns from Weston according to Squadi

[anfield]

If NNSW had got their wish from several years ago there would already be 16 NPL teams - and at that point, 2nd division would look very different!

My thoughts would be to get NPL to 14, NewFm to 12 with 4 ZL1 teams promoted. You push the current Top 4 (Suns, Croatia, Uni, Kotara) up from ZL1 and get the Stags and Kahibah/Lakes back into NPL. Suddenly the NewFM comp becomes much more interesting, and Zone League 1 is now wide open as well!

Sorry but this is a ridiculous idea, let's dilute the talent even further and make NPL and NL1 weaker overall? This will also make ZL1 weaker, It's been so strong for years. When they made ZL1 a 12 team competition it just made the bottom half weaker. Adding teams won't make the competitions stronger, it's that simple.

Is there enough good juniors to make up another 4 teams in all grades in the Premier Youth Competitions? I would highly doubt that.

For years I have seen the same teams finish towards the top of the NPL, Broadmeadow, Lambton and Edgeworth to name 3. I have also seen the same teams finish towards the bottom, Adamstown, Lake Macquarie (now relegated ), New Lambton ( recently). Will new teams fix this, No. You could easily argue the NPL should be a 10 team competition.

Look at strong NPL Competitions like Victoria. 14 teams in that competition, Powerhouses South Melbourne and Melbourne knights are coming 11th and 14th. That sort of competition brings interest, it's something that the NNSW competition desperately needs. It's needs more competition to challenge the teams like Broadmeadow and Edgeworth. That's by building the leagues depth not adding teams.

[MoSalahh]

Dilute the talent even further?

Make ZL1 weaker? Crabs and Bolwarra would hold their own for sure in ZL1? Croatia and Stockton have handled promotion well, Stockton struggling a little but will come good and likely avoid relegation. 2 deepest cup runs from outside NPL in last 2 seasons have come out of ZL2 (Croatia and Crabs).

If you had it your way the premier league would just be Chelsea, Arsenal, City, Liverpool and United. I?m sure that would be thrilling playing the same 5 clubs on repeat. You wouldn?t have had the 2015-2016 season where Leicester won.

If adding teams into ZL1 made the bottom half of the competition weaker? go down? Let the strong clubs below come up?

[anfield]

Dilute the talent even further?

Make ZL1 weaker? Crabs and Bolwarra would hold their own for sure in ZL1? Croatia and Stockton have handled promotion well, Stockton struggling a little but will come good and likely avoid relegation. 2 deepest cup runs from outside NPL in last 2 seasons have come out of ZL2 (Croatia and Crabs).

If you had it your way the premier league would just be Chelsea, Arsenal, City, Liverpool and United. I?m sure that would be thrilling playing the same 5 clubs on repeat. You wouldn?t have had the 2015-2016 season where Leicester won.

If adding teams into ZL1 made the bottom half of the competition weaker? go down? Let the strong clubs below come up?

Your comment doesn't make any sense in the promotion/ relegation system. Clubs can't simply go down and come up on request, it needs to be earned. Your comment on Crabs and Bolwarra is valid. Bolwarra has been a solid zl2 club for some time, this is the first year they have looked to push on towards the top tier of Zone Football.

Not sure on your assumption on my ideal EPL and what relevance it has? I think the ideal number is 20 teams. A little history lesson for you, in 1995-96 the EPL reduced the numbers in the league from 22 to the current number of 20. Why to make the league stronger. If NNSW increased the NPL numbers then many including myself would question the logic.

For the record if you had an EPL of just 5 teams then United would not make it, they finished 15th this year.

[Taffy]

There's a number of ZL1 clubs that need to be in this league and a number of clubs in this league that need to come down.

A number of people from some of these ZL1 clubs spent all of last year saying they don't want to be in this league

[Retired01]

A number of people from some of these ZL1 clubs spent all of last year saying they don't want to be in this league

Thats how it should be as Newcastle is a small city where there should be 1 or maybe 2 semi professional leagues and the rest are for people to have a kick with mates. If a person wants play higher they may need to join another club. Im sorry to say that I believe Toronto will be the perfect example if they do get promoted next season as many of their players are past NPL1 and if they do try to stay on will struggle to meet the pace of NPL1 again and then the young ones they do bring in which have never played NPL1 wont reach the pace consistently.

[Undertaker]

Thats how it should be as Newcastle is a small city where there should be 1 or maybe 2 semi professional leagues and the rest are for people to have a kick with mates. If a person wants play higher they may need to join another club. Im sorry to say that I believe Toronto will be the perfect example if they do get promoted next season as many of their players are past NPL1 and if they do try to stay on will struggle to meet the pace of NPL1 again and then the young ones they do bring in which have never played NPL1 wont reach the pace consistently.

Will have a fair few more juniors from Magic , Olympic join Toronto if they get promoted

[Trigger]

For now 12 teams max, although 10 is better with yearly promotion/relegation. Everyone will still get a chance. I can see some players who struggle at this level most weeks with 12 teams. I do wonder if in future as we get more depth through the JDL path we could have 12 teams with quality all over.

[Zone Insider]

Can?t believe Wallsend refused to play awaba at LP and take the gate after they deemed the gardens too wet. They are now four games behind. Any option should be made compulsory with the way the wet weather has been.

Just goes to show what a joke Northern are by allowing this sort of thing.

[ForeverRed]

Just goes to show what a joke Northern are by allowing this sort of thing.
Go away has deleted his post

[Zone Insider]

Go away has deleted his post

Basically gardens washed out and Wallsend refused to play at stags ground

[GO AWAY]

Awaba 4 lakes 0

[THE NNSW MOLE]

Singo 5-0 Southy
Perry?s lost the dressing sheds and the plot he simply can?t handle men?s football and should go back to youth.
That?s 15 goals conceded in the last 3 games simply unacceptable and southy are at high risk of going down.

[plague]

Perry's lost the dressing sheds and the plot he simply can't handle men?s football and should go back to youth.

What's the old saying about babies and bathwater?

I'd say more than a few parents and youth players will be watching this unfold with (self) interest.

[ForeverRed]

Singo 5-0 Southy
Perry?s lost the dressing sheds and the plot he simply can?t handle men?s football and should go back to youth.
That?s 15 goals conceded in the last 3 games simply unacceptable and southy are at high risk of going down.

Your comment doesn?t add up, he seemed to handle senior football when they made the grand final, think about it before posting 🤷*♂️

[the-deviant]

It?s a wonder what these lower NL1 clubs will do in a couple years as they get relegated and clubs like Croatia, Suns and Kotara inevitably get promoted. Will the committees at the likes of Thornton and Southy be happy to play 3rd division with all those reliant juniors.

[The Postman]

It?s a wonder what these lower NL1 clubs will do in a couple years as they get relegated and clubs like Croatia, Suns and Kotara inevitably get promoted. Will the committees at the likes of Thornton and Southy be happy to play 3rd division with all those reliant juniors.

Will the parents of those juniors be happy to be a 3rd division club?

[Bremsstrahlung]

It’s a self perpetuating cycle. But usually I’d say 80% of the best players will play NPL every year, just a matter of what club. Those that aren’t loyal to new lambton, will find a new NPL club more than likely. Toronto will be on the lookout for some NPL experienced players - we have seen in the past the big jump up to NPL.

In my opinion, any NPL club that gets relegated to NL1, their best chance at promotion is the year after.
Like Azzurri all those years ago when them and Lakes were cut. You basically have to take a punt and try and keep that team together/strengthen it.

In most cases, let’s say Southy, the better players will want to keep playing NPL. So when they were relegated, a lot of their players just went to other NPL clubs. That makes it tricky for the club to fight for promotion because you’re basically starting again. I think youth is something Southy have always done well. Back in the day their Youth/19/23s whatever it was were always very competitive. Now some of their youth are mixing it with clubs that should be miles better.

But at the end of the day it all comes down to first grade.

When New Lambton get relegated this season, they will likely lose a few players. Same with Lakes last year.
Then you put them against clubs like Toronto and Kahibah that have been building and improving a competitive first grade team for a few years. Look how long it has taken Toronto to get to the point of promotion back into NPL? It’s not easy.
It’s a tough gig to be relegated.

You’ve got clubs who are on the rise and have momentum like Croatia, Dudley (worked their way back), Suns etc against clubs that are losing momentum like Southy, Wallsend, Thornton.

[sapdad]

It?s a wonder what these lower NL1 clubs will do in a couple years as they get relegated and clubs like Croatia, Suns and Kotara inevitably get promoted. Will the committees at the likes of Thornton and Southy be happy to play 3rd division with all those reliant juniors.

This is a really good question and one that will definitely play out over the next few years.Senior clubs dropping down and clubs without youth ranks will rise and it will result in some medium term issues that NNSW better be prepared for.Regardless,these outcomes are a good thing because it shows the promotion/relegation system works and rewards teams that deserve to be there rather than legacy programs getting a free ride.It also shows the strength of the ZPL level and hopefully raises every level as they push up.I dont think Lakes dropping down last year had a massive impact on their youth and I dont think New Lambton doing the same this year will either.Whoever is the first to drop into ZPL will may be a bigger test case but lets see how it goes.

[The Hacker]

This is a really good question and one that will definitely play out over the next few years.Senior clubs dropping down and clubs without youth ranks will rise and it will result in some medium term issues that NNSW better be prepared for.Regardless,these outcomes are a good thing because it shows the promotion/relegation system works and rewards teams that deserve to be there rather than legacy programs getting a free ride.It also shows the strength of the ZPL level and hopefully raises every level as they push up.I dont think Lakes dropping down last year had a massive impact on their youth and I dont think New Lambton doing the same this year will either.Whoever is the first to drop into ZPL will may be a bigger test case but lets see how it goes.

If it?s Wallsend it won?t affect the juniors that will just fold. Be interesting the teams coming up if they look to add youth. Dudley as first up have looked to add youth with the junior and senior clubs coming together and from I?ve heard have applied for PYL. They are probably in a lucky position to have a junior base. How do a Croatia or Suns do it. Do they just create a junior program from scratch. Then that changes the whole club. Will be interesting times

[Stanley]

If it?s Wallsend it won?t affect the juniors that will just fold. Be interesting the teams coming up if they look to add youth. Dudley as first up have looked to add youth with the junior and senior clubs coming together and from I?ve heard have applied for PYL. They are probably in a lucky position to have a junior base. How do a Croatia or Suns do it. Do they just create a junior program from scratch. Then that changes the whole club. Will be interesting times

Suns will adopt Broadmeadow Magic community who also play out of Myers Park and Croatia will align itself with a junior club in the region.

[The Hacker]

Suns will adopt Broadmeadow Magic community who also play out of Myers Park and Croatia will align itself with a junior club in the region.

I can see how Suns could do that as there is alignment but explain of Croatia will just pick a random junior club to align with. Means you need to find a club that?s prepared to lose their identity.

[Undertaker]

Relegation will kill Wallsend and Thornton completely in my opinion.
Wallsend, Thornton, Southy and Cessnock wouldn?t win ZL1 and gain auto promotion back up to NL1 and quite frankly the way Kotara and Croatia are going neither would Lakes or Westy.

Kotara recruited strong from New Lambton, so they would be highly competitive if they gain promotion into this comp this season.

Will be interesting to see how New Lambton go back in this grade next season, have a couple of good players but too many rejects from other clubs. Will their youth take a massive hit with it? Only the future will see. How many Toronto players stick around if they get promoted? A lot of them dropping back to play locally and at this level. Will they want to jump back up to it? Rumours of more juniors coming back from Olympic and Magic if they do get promoted.

One thing is for certain, promotion and relegation has made things a lot more exciting and interesting. One of the very few things Northern have got correct

[Trigger]

Relegation will kill Wallsend and Thornton completely in my opinion.

Maybe they belong in ZL until someone decides to resurrect them. nothing is forever

[Stanley]

I can see how Suns could do that as there is alignment but explain of Croatia will just pick a random junior club to align with. Means you need to find a club that?s prepared to lose their identity.

Valentine Phoenix adopted Steward and Loyd’s

[ForeverRed]

Valentine Phoenix adopted Steward and Loyd’s
They were Tomago Eagles first

[Yesk21]

Will southy be happy when they are relegated to zpl?

[ForeverRed]

Will southy be happy when they are relegated to zpl?
No, watch this space

[The Postman]

Suns will adopt Broadmeadow Magic community who also play out of Myers Park and Croatia will align itself with a junior club in the region.

Ah yes, the Broadmeadow Community Club with their excess of teams - 12/B, 14/A, 14/C, 16/D. It's a start I guess, but that is still money out of Magic's account, which I don't believe any club will want to do willingly.

I think you would find most Clubs with Interdistrict teams in Miniroos and the older kids from U/12 and up, already have teams in Zone League or they are Community affiliate of their NPL/NewFM namesake.

Unless Croatia wants to team up with a Tilligerry or Gresford Vacy etc, there just are not many community clubs left without a Senior Club to align with.

Best bet to build their Youth squads would be to pick the bones of whoever gets relegated to ZL1. Although, quick glance at the bottom 3 teams in NewFM, their Youth teams are also generally near the bottom too.

It's almost like there is not enough talent to go around! Anyway, just stick with Seniors in NewFM & Zone League - 1st, Ressies, Conference and the younger ages play in Interdistrict comps.

[The Postman]

No, watch this space

Southy Youth seem to be doing pretty well, would be shame if they got relegated and lose that!

[Alton]

Southy Youth seem to be doing pretty well, would be shame if they got relegated and lose that!

When it gets to the point of club survival it?s all about the first grade and senior part of the club

[The Postman]

When it gets to the point of club survival it?s all about the first grade and senior part of the club

Oh yeah for sure!

As much I believe there should only 1 League of NPL Youth, I know it will never happen cause of the $$$

Was basically trying to say, it would be a shame for another club to benefit from their hard work.

[Alton]

No, watch this space

Not sure what this means Red, watch this space for what? Survival guaranteed?

[The Hacker]

Not sure what this means Red, watch this space for what? Survival guaranteed?

Coach on the way out?

[Taffy]

Southy Youth seem to be doing pretty well, would be shame if they got relegated and lose that!

Just to point out, you don't give up your youth teams if you get relegated into Zone League as all is now separate. A ZL3 team could have PYL teams if they wanted. Just like you don't need PYL teams to be in NL1.

It is only a requirement to have PYL teams if you are in NPL, the other 4 tiers it is optional.

[Taffy]

It's almost like there is not enough talent to go around! Anyway, just stick with Seniors in NewFM & Zone League - 1st, Ressies, Conference and the younger ages play in Interdistrict comps.

One of the reason why ZL1 and NL1 are getting stronger and better quality is because of the increase in youth teams which are now starting to filter through as they hit their 20s.

[Addios]

One of the reason why ZL1 and NL1 are getting stronger and better quality is because of the increase in youth teams which are now starting to filter through as they hit their 20s.

I think that as well. Population is growing. Junior and Youth comps are improving, but could be cheaper, which gives a chance to grow stronger senior comps.

The biggest killer of all sports is technology. easier to be a gamer.

[Addios]

Just to point out, you don't give up your youth teams if you get relegated into Zone League as all is now separate. A ZL3 team could have PYL teams if they wanted. Just like you don't need PYL teams to be in NL1.
It is only a requirement to have PYL teams if you are in NPL, the other 4 tiers it is optional.

Interestingly, currently no ZL clubs have JDL or youth teams. I recall some were thinking about JDL squads.

[Taffy]

Interestingly, currently no ZL clubs have JDL or youth teams. I recall some were thinking about JDL squads.

Well it is now only available to them from 2026. I heard a whisper that South Maitland have lodged their paperwork with Northern to submit teams. I have no idea about anyone else.

[The Hacker]

Well it is now only available to them from 2026. I heard a whisper that South Maitland have lodged their paperwork with Northern to submit teams. I have no idea about anyone else.

I am told Dudley have put in the paperwork also

[The Hacker]

Just to point out, you don't give up your youth teams if you get relegated into Zone League as all is now separate. A ZL3 team could have PYL teams if they wanted. Just like you don't need PYL teams to be in NL1.

It is only a requirement to have PYL teams if you are in NPL, the other 4 tiers it is optional.

You don?t ?need? PYL to play in NL1 but if your first grade want to play in the finals you need to have it.
If you have no PYL it?s tough to get first grade plays if they are only playing to come 5th at best

[Jardelsimage]

Well it is now only available to them from 2026. I heard a whisper that South Maitland have lodged their paperwork with Northern to submit teams. I have no idea about anyone else.

the more JDL teams the more the talent gets filtered, the last JDL team i watched was not of the greatest standard and it was a NPL1 side.

[THE NNSW MOLE]

What did I say southy finally sack Mellon and they go out and destroy a top 3 side in lakes. Absolutely played them off the park and looked like a football side again. Congrats Mark.

[ForeverRed]

What did I say southy finally sack Mellon and they go out and destroy a top 3 side in lakes. Absolutely played them off the park and looked like a football side again. Congrats Mark.
Wrong, he wasn?t sacked, get the facts before posting 🤦*♂️

[Two tone]

He?s a great Coach, that is passionate about football. But he?s Cooks Hill through and through. Northern let personality and ego get in the way. Not a good football decision by NNSW FOOTBALL

[Taffy]

He?s a great Coach, that is passionate about football. But he?s Cooks Hill through and through. Northern let personality and ego get in the way. Not a good football decision by NNSW FOOTBALL

Who are you talking about?

[2ndclasscitizen]

Who are you talking about?

Mark Trenter is helping South Cardiff

[ForeverRed]

To make it clear, Perry stood down as coach, he is still running and coaching the youth programme, all mutual agreement, no one got sacked, Mark has come in to help out on temporary basis for now.

[Game_over]

To make it clear, Perry stood down as coach, he is still running and coaching the youth programme, all mutual agreement, no one got sacked, Mark has come in to help out on temporary basis for now.

Plenty of coaches have stood down by 'mutual agreement'

The youth at Southy is going well though, I see they recently advertised on their socials that they where phase 1 club champions, i didnt even know that was an award :tongue:

[Taffy]

Plenty of coaches have stood down by 'mutual agreement'

If a coach is forced out by mutual agreement, he isn't hanging around the club. Since he is staying on as running the Youth programme then I am inclined to believe that the coach wanted to step down.

[northern_swan]

the more JDL teams the more the talent gets filtered, the last JDL team i watched was not of the greatest standard and it was a NPL1 side.

Probably not strictly true. In the case of the rumour posted (South Maitland) it could be argued that there is more than enough talent in that area to sustain an additional licence, based on what I’ve seen in community football. Giving another licence out to operate in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie LGAs though I’d agree wouldn’t make much sense (perhaps with the exception of the Morisset/Cooranbong area). Similarly there could be an argument to put one in the Port Stephens area.

I guess what I’m saying is, it needs to be strategically positioned, not just handed out to whomever fills in the paperwork.

[Taffy]

Probably not strictly true. In the case of the rumour posted (South Maitland) it could be argued that there is more than enough talent in that area to sustain an additional licence, based on what I’ve seen in community football. Giving another licence out to operate in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie LGAs though I’d agree wouldn’t make much sense (perhaps with the exception of the Morisset/Cooranbong area). Similarly there could be an argument to put one in the Port Stephens area.

I guess what I’m saying is, it needs to be strategically positioned, not just handed out to whomever fills in the paperwork.

When looking to expand JDL that's what they should be doing, Cooranbong, Hunter Valley, Nelson Bay, even argue down Swansea way since there is only 2 clubs close (CCU and Belswans).

Also no such thing as an NPL1 side in JDL.

[Addios]

Probably not strictly true. In the case of the rumour posted (South Maitland) it could be argued that there is more than enough talent in that area to sustain an additional licence, based on what I’ve seen in community football. Giving another licence out to operate in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie LGAs though I’d agree wouldn’t make much sense (perhaps with the exception of the Morisset/Cooranbong area). Similarly there could be an argument to put one in the Port Stephens area.

I guess what I’m saying is, it needs to be strategically positioned, not just handed out to whomever fills in the paperwork.
Yes this belongs in youth/JDL thread

Garden Suburb were thinking of a JDL side.
I Think this would help the club as a whole in the beginning but what happens in the YPL space when half or more go to other NPL/L1 youth clubs.

[Yesk21]

The top 4 versing each other this weekend
Toronto 2-1 singleton
Kahibah 4-3 lakes
Dudley 2-0 Thornton
Southy 5-4 Wallsend
Westy 2-2 Cessnock

[Addios]

Finding it difficult to pick this comp

Toronto 3-1 singleton
Kahibah 2-3 lakes
Dudley 2-2 Thornton
Southy 4-2 Wallsend
Westy 2-1 Cessnock

[GO AWAY]

Tronno 2-0
Lakes 2-1
Dudley 2-0
Soufy 4-1
Westy 2-1

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Toronto 3-0 singleton
Kahibah 4-1 lakes
Dudley 3-0 Thornton
Southy 2-2 Wallsend
Westy 4-2 Cessnock

[GO AWAY]

Stags 3 Singo 2

[GO AWAY]

Looks like Thornton have dragged Dudley in to the relegation scrap

[Yesk21]

Lakes 2-2 Dudley
Singleton 4-1 Wallsend
Kahibah 3-3 westy
Cessnock 2-4 southy
Toronto 3-1 thornton

[GO AWAY]

Lakes 2-2 Dudley
Singleton 4-1 Wallsend
Kahibah 3-3 westy
Cessnock 2-4 southy
Toronto 3-1 thornton

I?ll take that ^

Singo 5-0
Draw 1-1
Lakes 4-1
Soufy 1-0
Stags 4-1

[Addios]

Lakes 2-1 Dudley
Singleton 3-0 Wallsend
Kahibah 3-1 westy
Cessnock 1-1 southy
Toronto 2-1 thornton

[Jim]

Wallsend to good for Singo up there. geez

[Yesk21]

Toronto drop points v Thornton, kahibah 2 points behind now. Toronto v kahibah next Saturday

[RightFoot]

Have we ever had a season this tight and intense? Only six points separating SEVEN teams, with Singleton, Lake Mac, Westy, Dudley, Southy, Thornton and Wallsend all potentially eyeing off a promotion OR relegation spot. Plus we have Kahibah keeping Toronto in check. This league is arguably the most interesting to watch this season, something that's rarely been the case pre-pro/rel.

Regardless, I'm going to try and predict the final standings:

PROMOTION CANDIDATES

- TORONTO
It may come down to G/D with Kahibah but Jarrad Hiles is well overdue for an accolade after what his done with the club over the last few years and with the spirit and culture he's built at the club, I genuinely can see them staying in NPL for a couple seasons, a lot of backend work would need to be done to sustain such status though.

- KAHIBAH
Probably the best team on paper and the club is moving in the right direction in all sections (youth, new ground, great community, quality team), I see them pipping an Adamstown or Valo to make NPL.

PLAYOFF CONTENDERS

- WESTY
They'll finish strong but won't threaten promotion. The Bluebells never seem to live up to the pre-season hype of being serious promotion contenders.

- LAKE MAC
Depth will help them finish strong and in a good spot, potentially having a shot at the playoff promotion.

- SINGLETON
Yet another well rounded season but again not strong enough to compete for a top 2-3 spot, but again too strong to get relegated

RELEGATION WATCH

- THORNTON
Redbacks starting to find form after a rocky start. Only recently have seemed to developed a brand of football after a very shaky start

- SOUTHY
Should find form after changing of coach and have the potential to push higher next season, should avoid relegation and the club as a whole is too influential regarding youth development to be regarded a ZL side. Would be detrimental to Southy.

- DUDLEY
Aren't scoring enough goals climb the table any further, but I believe they started the season well enough this season to stay up. Masters of the defensive block.

- WALLSEND
Wallsend's best season in 3 years, would be very on brand to BS relegation this season... and honestly it might happen

- CESSNOCK
Relegation favourites at the moment. The team cannot buy a win this season despite MANY close games, would be very unfortunate to go down but someone has to give Croatia the spot. Would be great to have a Hunter Valley club in ZL1. Great home advantage.

[MCG_1997]

Not a bad predict @RightFoot.
I think Thornton is the one that will be relegated.

[GO AWAY]

Cannot believe Cessnock v Wallsend is not match of the Round. Total injustice

Cessnock 2 Wallsend 2
Lakes 1 Thornton 0
Southy 2 Dudley 1
Westy 3 singo 0
Toronto 2 KAheyba 1

[Addios]

Cessnock 2-1 Wallsend
Lakes 3-3 Thornton
Dudley 2-1 Southy
Westy 1-0 Singo
Toronto 3-2 Kahibah

[MCG_1997]

Cessnock 1-2 Wallsend
Lakes 5-3 Thornton
Dudley 3-1 Southy
Westy 2-1 Singo
Toronto 2-2 Kahibah

[The Hacker]

Cessnock 1-2 Wallsend
Lakes 0-2 Thornton
Dudley 2-0 Southy
Westy 2-0 Singo
Toronto 3-0 Kahibah

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Cessnock 2-1 Wallsend
Lakes 3-1 Thornton
Dudley 1-0 Southy
Westy 3-1 Singo
Toronto 2-1 Kahibah

[The Hacker]

I just read the preview for the week. Has Southy lost another coach or are are they referring to to the first coach stepping aside. Anyone got any info

[northern_swan]

I just read the preview for the week. Has Southy lost another coach or are are they referring to to the first coach stepping aside. Anyone got any info

Trenter lasted 2 games. Gone.

[BuzzRothfield]

Hearing Kahibah have signed a new striker with experience at a number of NPL clubs? debuting tomorrow against Toronto

[northern_swan]

Hearing Kahibah have signed a new striker with experience at a number of NPL clubs? debuting tomorrow against Toronto

Burston scored the only goal today as Kahibah go top. Looks like Olympic should have kept Newham rather than the direction they took in the coaching space.

[The Hacker]

Burston scored the only goal today as Kahibah go top. Looks like Olympic should have kept Newham rather than the direction they took in the coaching space.

Where did Burston come from he looked very tidy

[northern_swan]

Where did Burston come from he looked very tidy

Formerly at Olympic (hence the Newham connection). Most recently at Maitland

[BuzzRothfield]

Formerly at 80% of clubs in Newcastle! The man has a fair sock collection.

No match report from GO AWAY? He was very quick to jump on with score updates and clean sheets earlier in the season?

[northern_swan]

Formerly at 80% of clubs in Newcastle! The man has a fair sock collection.

Isn’t that half of the players in the comp? :lol:

[Undertaker]

Formerly at 80% of clubs in Newcastle! The man has a fair sock collection.

No match report from GO AWAY? He was very quick to jump on with score updates and clean sheets earlier in the season?

Today was Stags old boys day, probably at the club with his old teammates having a beer or 20 enjoying the old times they had together??

[The Hacker]

Are Lakes any danger of back to back relegations. 3 points from last and lost 4 on the trot and worst form in the comp that could be a big fall from grace

[Swanky]

Are Lakes any danger of back to back relegations. 3 points from last and lost 4 on the trot and worst form in the comp that could be a big fall from grace

Will have the best JDL setup in Zone League

[Zone Insider]

Will have the best JDL setup in Zone League

And a newly developed facility

[Hunter403]

Great win by Kahibah on the weekend. Toronto huffed and puffed but couldn't find a way in.

[Taffy]

Are Lakes any danger of back to back relegations. 3 points from last and lost 4 on the trot and worst form in the comp that could be a big fall from grace

Think that honour is going to be off to Cessnock or Southy, and who would've thought that Thornton would currently be in a play-off spot.

[GO AWAY]

Formerly at 80% of clubs in Newcastle! The man has a fair sock collection.

No match report from GO AWAY? He was very quick to jump on with score updates and clean sheets earlier in the season?

Sorry Buzz, been drowning my sorrows. Full credit to KAheyba, beaten stags both games, so no fluke and deserve to be top with five to go. I thought stags played better football, but playing better football doesn?t always win games. As I say, they done the double on us and to do it on old boys day at stag stadium is no mean feat. Pressure now off stags. ?.. and now confirmed either Kahibah or Toronto are going to NPL.

[Addios]

Is there a playoff spot for a 2nd team to go up like last year?

[Taffy]

Yes exactly the same format

[Alton]

Think that honour is going to be off to Cessnock or Southy, and who would've thought that Thornton would currently be in a play-off spot.

Wow Southy in relegation battle

[northern_swan]

Realistically, only Kahibah or Toronto can take the direct promotion spot.

The other 8 teams could end up in the playoffs or in Zone League, depending on the next 5 weeks. Absolutely crazy ladder.

[GO AWAY]

Kahibah

Southy, southy, Dudley,singo, cess

Toronto

Westy, cess, southy, lakes, Wallsend

Going down to the wire
Could we have a last day decider

[Alton]

Kahibah

Southy, southy, Dudley,singo, cess

Toronto

Westy, cess, southy, lakes, Wallsend

Going down to the wire
Could we have a last day decider

Toronto to play Buds again in decider

[The Hacker]

Kahibah

Southy, southy, Dudley,singo, cess

Toronto

Westy, cess, southy, lakes, Wallsend

Going down to the wire
Could we have a last day decider

The local derby between Kahibah and Dudley could have a bit riding on it.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Was out at Lakes the other day and noticed they have ripped the grandstand down.

Was curious the level of replacement and was a little disappointed.

The new facility, while it may have improved changeroom facilities - showers etc. I think they have really downgraded seating.

Reminds me a little of Kahibah, or last time I was at the junior field, with the concrete step/seating.

Is this the final plan?

To me, they are really missing an opportunity to turn it into the “showcase” field of LMRFF, unless that’s the plan for the remaining grass field at the old Macquarie academy.

[Taffy]

Don't think council care too much about Macquarie field being the showcase field of Lake Macquarie region.

[The Postman]

Don't think council care too much about Macquarie field being the showcase field of Lake Macquarie region.

NNSW/Jets surely would have plans for it. They could have their own version of No1 that they don't have to share with anyone except Lakes.

If only there were space to have a full Jets Centre of Excellence there. Would be a great venue for the Women and Youth teams.

[Taffy]

NNSW/Jets surely would have plans for it. They could have their own version of No1 that they don't have to share with anyone except Lakes.

I am sure they would but council own Macquarie field and I don't think they care about NNSWF or Jets, and hardly doubt Lakes will be willing to give up their control and use of it for the Jets or Northern.

Also the councillor who got the money to be spent on Macquarie field has strong connections to Lake Macqaurie FC along with their President running on her ticket to get voted so was always just for Lakes FC. All smells ICACy.



If only there were space to have a full Jets Centre of Excellence there. Would be a great venue for the Women and Youth teams.

Agree.

[GO AWAY]

Five points between 3rd to 10th ?. Crazy stuff

[The Hacker]

Five points between 3rd to 10th ?. Crazy stuff

Cessnock off the bottom with a point. Southy in trouble with a bad goal difference and having to play Kahibah twice.

The top 4 will be tight on looking at games left and form of each team I think Thornton and Dudley could be the top 4 with Westy the other team in the mix

If Southy or Cessnock go down they should be filthy that Wallsend have been horrible for so many years and the time that relegation comes in they finally have a go

Be interesting who people think the top 4 will be and who will go down

[Mr Beautiful 2.0]

Dudley will win the grand final, only club in the race that’s got pedigree when it comes to playing finals football.

[Lofty]

Dudley will win the grand final, only club in the race that’s got pedigree when it comes to playing finals football.

One grand final win, two losses in over 10 years? That Dudley?

[Builtwithlove18]

Dudley will win the grand final, only club in the race that?s got pedigree when it comes to playing finals football.

Ha ha ha ha

[Zone Insider]

Kahibah to win it, Stags will drop off.