Preview by Blake Jarrett
Maitland FC vs. Thornton Redbacks FC
Cook Square Park
Sunday 23rd March, 2.30pm
Match of the Round
In the match of the round last years runners up Maitland FC host Thornton Redbacks FC at Cook Square Park.
Maitland will enter the competition confident after a successful 2013 season where they finished 2nd followed by a Grand Final loss to Adamstown Rosebud. The two teams that have denied them the minor premiership in the previous two years, Lambton Jaffas and Adamstown Rosebud, have both since been promoted to the NBN State League and Maitland will feel as though this is their year to clinch the top spot.
Retaining key players including striker, Ben Martin, goalkeeper, Ben Kelly, and fullback, Corey Fletcher will certainly add to the clubs growing confidence. The off season signings of former Weston Bear, Matthew Toohey, and former Broadmeadow Magic and Adamstown Rosebuds striker, Roger Dowdell, will also play a key role in Maitland’s success.
Martin however is an obvious standout. After the first 11 games last season his tally was a massive 17, scoring in every game except one. He ended the season with an incredible 30, eight more than his closest rival. He seems to have already found similar form to last year, scoring the goal in the sides 1-1 draw against NPL side South Cardiff Gunners in Round 1 of the State Cup that they eventually lost in penalty shootouts, where he also converted a penalty.
Thornton coach Darrel McAllister would feel as though his side should provide a tough contest against Maitland, however, following a some-what successful first season in 2014. McAllister guided the Redbacks to sixth place, missing out on a semi final spot by just four points.
The Redbacks will need to be on their game come Sunday, having lost two games to Maitland during the 2013 season; a side which has strengthened considerably and will be looking to stamp their authority on the 2014 NEWFM First Division early.
West Wallsend SFC vs. Valentine FC
Johnston Park
Saturday 22nd March, 2.30pm
The opening match of the 2014 NEWFM First Division sees West Wallsend SFC taking on Valentine FC at Johnston Park.
West Wallsend will be desperate for a first round win following a disastrous off-season that saw the club lose ten first grade players and consequently, nearly folding.
However the determination of the 125-year historic club should be admired as members, players and new coach Evan Gardiner rallied to keep the club alive.
The signings of Anthony Carter, Cody Sopper, Keegan North and Todd Jones are a massive boost for the club who Gardiner said is fielding ‘a young side’, most with first grade experience.
A key player for West Wallsend is the returning shot-stopper Blake Redman, who will fill the void left by Adamstown-bound Nathanael Cavaliere.
West Wallsend have a huge task at hand, however, going up against a Valentine outfit boasting a mixture of youth and experience. Having finished last in the NBN State League last season, Valentine begins the season as a clear favorite alongside Maitland for the 2014 NEWFM First Division.
The McGinley brothers (Paul and Scott) as well as Ben Glachan are three notable players that have showed their loyalty to the club, staying on for the 2014 season.
Similar to West Wallsend, Valentine lost star goalkeeper Nathan Archibald, whose place will be taken by former EAP shot-stopper, Perry Budden, who will begin his third year with the club.
Former youth players Reece Newton and Luke Barnier have also earned their chance to play at the top level after solid 2013 seasons for the club.
This promises to be a match that will showcase some of the best of the youth talent that the NEWFM First Division has to offer and will be a hard-fought contest.
Cessnock City FC vs. Singleton SC
Turner Park
Saturday 22nd March, 2.30pm
Cessnock City FC host Singleton SC in a fixture that promises to be so much more then it would have been this time last season.
Both sides enter the 2014 NEWFM First Division competition with significant off-season signings.
Cessnock, who finished second last in the 2013 season, welcome the signing of South Cardiff duo Jordan White and Kieran Delany. White, who signed for the Gunners last season from Cessnock, instantly broke into the first team after a solid pre season with the Under 19s.
He and Delany, a proven goal scorer in the former NBN State League will both be a massive boost for Cessnock and provide serious resources for the side to play finals football in 2014.
Singleton, who finished bottom of the table last season, have also signed a proven goal scorer as they welcome Albanian, Klaudon Ahmataj, as well as Toronto Awaba pair Lloyd Wakewood and Luke Walker.
Combined with 2013 Club Player of the Year, Tom Hume, these three signings will ensure that the club, who managed a competition low 21 goals last season, will be far more competitive in 2014.
Toronto Awaba FC vs. Belmont Swansea United SC
Lyall Peacock Field
Sunday 23rd March, 2.30pm
In the final match of round 1, Toronto Awaba host Belmont Swansea at Lyall Peacock Field.
Bel-Swans enter the 2014 season in extremely poor form after pre-season losses to Valentine South Cardiff, Swansea and Lambton Jaffas.
The side will have to draw on its successful 2013 season as inspiration for Sunday’s match.
Key players Nathan Goncalves and Tom Pichaloff will be required to consistently perform for the Bel-Swans if they are to achieve similar success to last season. 19-year-old Jaydon Rolla will provide both height and strength in the heart of defense.
New Toronto Awaba coach Graham Jones believes that despite a large turnover of players from the 2013 season his club can be successful.
Jones’ focus is ‘rebuilding the club and developing young Toronto boys’.
He will also utilize the guidance that his more experienced players have to offer.
‘We have signed some experienced Toronto players, returning to try and reestablish the club as a place where guys want to play’ he said.
Toronto enters the game after a recent 2-0 trial match win over Thornton followed by a penalty shootout loss to Cessnock in the State Cup.
Originally Posted by newie4eva
