Herald Women’s Premier League Round 10 Preview

Story and photo courtesy of Northern NSW Football

Match of the Round
Wallsend v Merewether
Sunday 13th May, 2:30 pm
Wallsend Park

Last start: Wallsend beat Thornton 4-1, Merewether beat Adamstown 5-0. 

Position on ladder: Wallsend fourth, 13 points; Merewether third, 16 points

Squad news
Wallsend is without Jess Evans for the next two weeks due to work placement in an otherwise full-strength side. Centre midfield Leah Giuffre returns for Merewether after missing last weekend’s match due to work commitments.

What the coaches say
Wallsend coach March Hingston believes his side can take the three points if they play to their potential.

“Our standard of football was excellent last week but we’re looking to improve another five percent,” Hingston said.

“We’ve been working on being more clinical in front of goals at training as well.

“We know we won’t get 27 attempts on Sunday so our decision making will be a big focus.”

Merewether coach Cass Koppen is expecting a tough match despite beating Wallsend 4-0 in Round three.

“We know Wallsend won’t give an inch and anticipate they will be putting up a stronger performance than we faced in Round one,” Koppen said.

Bottom line
Merewether have scored 10 goals in their last two games and should be hungry for more come Sunday afternoon. They are strong across the park and each player is comfortable with their role in the team. On the other hand, Wallsend will be hoping to build on last weekend’s strong showing against Thornton which should see them produce the attacking play they are known for. Both sides have ‘star’ players who are instrumental to their side’s success which will make for an exciting game on Mother’s Day. This game will be likely decided by executing opportunities with Merewether in the box seat to take the three points.

Wallsend FC

NEWFM Northern League One Round 8 Review

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West Wallsend Bluebells SFC 2 (Joseph Holt, Josh Knight) def. Wallsend FC 0
Saturday 5th May, 1:00 pm, Johnston Park 

The Wallsend Derby is always a great clash that presents an entertaining day of football and once again that was the case at Johnston Park, as the home team surprised the Red Devils to win and deal their bitter rivals, Wallsend, their first defeat of the year.

Wallsend’s new striker Ty Goldsmith looked like he may have scored a spectacular goal from halfway, chipping West Wallsend goalkeeper Jesse Cook, but the ball heartbreakingly landed on the top of the net.

The Bluebells would capitalise on Wallsend’s near miss, and after a scramble inside the penalty box, Joseph Holt managed to put the ball in the goal to give his side the lead after 20 minutes.

Goldsmith and Wez Pryce had chances saved by Cook, and it looked like Jarrod Olivieri would make Wallsend pay and double the lead from the penalty spot, but Joel Magnee, Wallsend’s goalkeeper, made a great diving save to deny him.

In the second half, Pryce seemed destined to equalise the game from a Goldsmith cross, however, the ball hit the upright, and as the frustrated Red Devils attempted to attack to steal a point.

The Bluebells dealt the killer-blow when substitute and youngster Josh Knight scored his first goal for the season and sealed the club’s fourth consecutive victory – the first time they have in 11 years.

West Wallsend now astonishingly sit in third place, just two points behind league-leaders Cooks Hill, while Wallsend drops down into fifth.

Herald Women’s Premier League Round 9 Review

Story courtesy of Northern NSW Football

Wallsend 4 (Laura Hall 2, Sophie O’Brien, Sass Seaborn) defeated Thornton 1 (Brooke Meredith) at The Gardens on Sunday. Half-time: Wallsend led 1-0. 

Wallsend returned to their stomping ground in style with a 4-1 win over a struggling Thornton on Sunday.

In the first half, the momentum shifted back and forth with both sides unable to string something together.

Wallsend headed into the sheds at half-time with a narrow 1-0 lead after Sophie O’Brien scored just before half-time.

In the second half, the Devil’s scored early through Laura Hall but Thornton answered with Brooke Meredith scoring from a free-kick.

It wasn’t meant to be for Thornton however, with Laura Hall grabbing her second and Sass Seaborn putting the nail in the coffin just before full time.

Wallsend coach Marc Hingston thought his side put in a 90-minute performance which they had been lacking in recent weeks.

“We played really good football for 90 minutes so I was really happy with the performance,” Hingston said.

“We had 27 shots so our completion rate wasn’t the best but our focus was a complete performance.

“It’s been a goal for weeks now and we will gain a lot of confidence through achieving it.”

Thornton coach Rob Richardson said he is running out of soldiers with a mounting injury list.

“Wallsend threw everything at us and we were still in it at 2-1 but unfortunately we conceded two late goals and they deserved the win,” Richardson said.

“We had three girls back up from Saturday and Lauren Faulkner played a full game in 17’s and first grade.

“The girls played their hearts out for no result but we will keep pushing on for next weekend.”

20s: Thornton 2 beat Wallsend 1.

17s: Wallsend 4 beat Thornton 2.

14s: Wallsend 1 beat Thornton 0.

Wallsend FC U/6’s handed out the shirts to our first grade team and they received a pack from the girls, we would like to thank everyone for making this happen and being so supportive to the families and junior players.

Herald Women’s Premier League Round 9 Preview

Story courtesy of Northern NSW Football

Wallsend v Thornton
Sunday 6th May, 2:30 pm
The Gardens

Last start: Wallsend lost 4-1 to New Lambton, Thornton lost 4-1 to Adamstown

Position on ladder: Wallsend 4th, 10 points; Thornton last, nil points 

Squad news
Wallsend will take the field with a full-strength side as Libby Copus-Brown returns from tonsillitis. An undecided Thornton side with a mounting injury list won’t be finalised until after training on Thursday. 

What the coaches say
Wallsend coach Marc Hingston is asking for consistency from his side after failing to close out last weekends game against New Lambton.

“Our past five games we have either led comfortably or been in control but our second half has let us down,” Hingston said.

“We spoke about having a desire to change this at training so hopefully we can flick the switch and perform for 90 minutes.

“We’re really excited to play our first game at The Gardens this year.”

Thornton coach Rob Richardson is hoping his side will enjoy football and not pressure themselves to get the result on Sunday.

“Whilst we are disappointed with our last outing, it’s obvious the pressure to succeed is having a reverse effect,” Richardson said.

“This weekend is about getting the girls to enjoy football and just have fun.” 

Bottom line
Wallsend will be hoping to get back on track and extend their top four lead even further which should see them come out fired up and ready to play. When at their best, the Devils are no doubt a force to be reckoned with and can give any team a run for their money. Wallsend can create and execute opportunities that other teams simply couldn’t and that is a huge advantage heading into the match. Whilst Thornton may not appear to be a threat, it would be dangerous to discount a side hungry for their first win of the season. Not having the added pressure of trying to get a result will alleviate the stress they have been feeling the past few weeks. A changed line-up could be the key to winning and if they can overcome a strong Wallsend side, the momentum will start to flow for the Redbacks.

NEWFM Northern League One Round 8 Preview

Story and photo courtesy of Northern NSW Football

West Wallsend Bluebells SFC (5th) vs. Wallsend FC (3rd)
Saturday 5th May, 1:00 pm, Johnston Park 

Due to the Hyundai A-League Grand Final, the first Wallsend derby of the season was moved to an earlier time slot and although many will be looking forward to the Newcastle Jets game, later on, there is no denying that this game featuring two of the oldest rivals in Northern NSW football will be one of the most exciting clashes to happen this weekend.

West Wallsend is fresh off the bye but prior to that, won their three last consecutive matches, the first time ever since 2013, making confidence at the club at an all-time high. However, the Red Devils are a side in great form too and are still yet to lose a match this season.

Wallsend’s newfound offensive weapon Ty Goldsmith has been causing havoc for opposition defenders and has contributed greatly to his side’s impressive goal-scoring record.

Wallsend’s coach Ben Edwards suggested that although the Wallsend derby is a massive event for the club, that they weren’t preparing for it any differently than a normal game.

“Nothing changes. There’s a bit more in it because you never want to lose a derby, but in the same token, we don’t want to lose any match.”

“I think they’ll be like us, fresh off the bye and ready to go again. They’re in-form so I’m sure they’ll make it very difficult for us to get a result, especially with it being at Westy.”

Edwards also praised Goldsmith for his recent performances and expected him to once again be a handful for the West Wallsend defenders.

“With Ty it’s an unknown every week. He’s always dangerous and can just make goals out of nothing.”

“I’d imagine they’ll be wary of that, but I think he’ll be dangerous no matter what he does.”

West Wallsend coach Gary Rowe stated that although he is aware of the attacking prowess that Goldsmith brings, he isn’t going to be giving him any special treatment and instead he’ll be cautious of every Wallsend player on the field.

“We won’t be giving him any more attention than we would give anyone else,” said Rowe.

“You don’t score five goals in a half against anybody unless you’ve got multiple weapons, so we would be silly focusing any of our time on one player.”

“If we focus all our attention on Ty, it’ll just make it easier for their other boys, so no, we won’t be giving any special attention to him.”

“I expect it’s going to be really difficult.”

NEWFM Northern League One Round 7 Review

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Wallsend FC 5 (Sam Bradshaw x2, Ty Goldsmith, Wez Pryce, Travis McCabe) def. Kahibah FC 3 (Tom Butzmann x2, Murray Leyland)
Sunday 29th April, 2:30 pm, The Gardens 

Fresh off the bye, the Red Devils have retained their undefeated start to the year with a high-scoring victory against a poor Kahibah team that continues to underperform.

Wallsend flew out of the gates quickly with a goal to their new strike weapon Ty Goldsmith in under two minutes, before Wez Pryce scored a beautiful headed goal just a few minutes later.

Kahibah attempted to keep the ball and regain control, but the Red Devils’ attacking force was too much to handle for the Black & Greens as both Travis McCabe and Sam Bradshaw both scored classy goals to affirm their dominance and give them an unassailable lead.

A penalty was given for handball which was nicely slotted away by German import Tom Butzmann to spark some potential hope for the away side. However, that light was soon put out by Wallsend when Sam Bradshaw grabbed his second to give his team a 5-1 lead going into the break.

In a desperate attempt to get back into the game, Kahibah sent multiple players up into attack and managed to find another two goals – the first scored the penalty spot once again from Butzmann, and the second coming from Murray Leyland.

The deficit was just too much for Kahibah though, and Wallsend walked away with the points, retaining their unbeaten start to the year and their spot in the top four.

Wallsend coach Ben Edwards praised his squad’s offensive display and stated that although they were again beaten and poor in the second half, that getting the win was the all-important aspect.

“It was outstanding how we came out and pressed and won the ball. That may have taken it out of us in the second half too because we did come out so quickly and so intense in the first half,” Edwards said.

“It is always hard to defend and continue to play to your game-plan when teams throw five or six forward.”

“The key is to score more goals than the other team though, so if we do that, I’m not worried.”

Herald Women’s Premier League Round 8 Review

Story courtesy of Northern NSW Football

New Lambton 4 (Hannah Batten 2, Tahlia Gossner, Emma Gonsalves) defeated Wallsend 1 (Laura Hall) at Alder Park on Sunday. Half-time: 1-1.

New Lambton was able to add new names to the scoresheet, including a debutant as they overcame Wallsend 4-1 at Alder Park on Sunday.

Wallsend was straight off the mark and dominated the first 15 minutes, creating plenty of opportunities and causing headaches for New Lambton’s defensive line.

The Devil’s hard work paid off in the 30th minute when Sass Seaborn combined with Laura Hall who dribbled on the inside of Jenna Kennedy and booted it into the top left-hand corner.

The visitors weren’t going to have it their way, as debutant Tahlia Gossner finding a loose ball from the top of the 18-yard box and striking low and hard into the bottom left corner to level the scores just before halftime.

In the second half, Hannah Batten scored twice in 10 minutes for the Eagles with her first goal coming from an absolute pearler out wide and the second deflecting off keeper Danielle Redding.

The home side was able to seal the deal in the later stages of the game when Georgia Amess crossed into the box to find Emma Gonsalves who buried it in the back of the net.

New Lambton coach Keelan Hamilton thought his side started flat but managed to put the pressure on Wallsend in the second half.

“I was really happy with the performance from the girls today,” Hamilton said.

“Wallsend are a good side and having both Stacey Day and Joey Burgess out tested our depth but the girls who came in did a great job.

“At half-time, we spoke about increasing our work rate and defensive pressure in the front and middle third and we did that well in the second half.

“Both teams had good periods of control but we defended well when needed and used the ball effectively to create chances which was pleasing.”

Wallsend coach Marc Hingston said a lack of desire in the second half meant his side were unable to string any goals together.

“The lack of desire is an issue we need to fix but there were positives,” Hingston said.

“It’s frustrating to be beaten by enthusiasm when it’s something we pride ourselves on.”

Herald Women’s Premier League Round 8 Preview

Story courtesy of Northern NSW Football

New Lambton v Wallsend

Sunday 29th April, 2:30 pm

Alder Park

Last start: New Lambton beat Adamstown 4-0, Wallsend beat South Wallsend 3-2.

 Position on ladder: New Lambton 3rd, 11 points; Wallsend 4th, 10 points.

Squad news

Both sides are expected to field last weekend’s starting line-up.

What the coaches say

New Lambton coach Keelan Hamilton says his side is in for a tough match against Wallsend.

“Last weekend was a good performance which gives us a lot of confidence,” Hamilton said.

“We know that if we don’t turn up and play with the right level of effort and quality on Sunday we won’t get the result we want.

“We are looking forward to playing at home for only the second time this season and Wallsend are in good form so we are expecting another tight match like Round one.”

Wallsend coach Marc Hingston says it will be a strong battle as both sides are the two most improved teams in the competition.

“It will be a great promotion for the women’s game in Newcastle,” Hingston said.

“We both play an attractive brand of football and hopefully we both bring our A-game on Sunday.”

Bottom line

Both teams have started to find their form which makes for an interesting match-up. Wallsend has the chance to steal third on the ladder from New Lambton which will no doubt be a motivator heading into the game. Every team knows the key to the Devils attack is the strike power and pace of Libby Copus-Brown, Sass Seaborn and Laura Hall which must be shut down to keep Wallsend at bay. On the opposing side, Tara Andrews, Joey Burgess and Georgia Amess play similar combinations and are a force to be reckoned with. New Lambton may be new to the competition but have proved they are genuine contenders and will be hoping to continue their winning streak. It’s shaping up to be an exciting battle and scoring first has never been more important.

NEWFM Northern League One Round 7 Preview

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Wallsend FC (4th) vs. Kahibah FC (9th)

Sunday 29th April, 2:30 pm, The Gardens

 After receiving a week off due to the bye, Wallsend returns to their home ground, The Gardens, to face a Kahibah team that has underperformed all 2018 so far.

Having only achieved one win this season, Kahibah have struggled to return to the same form they showed last year and injuries to key men Nick Hartnett, Heath Kepreotes and Jamie Hadlow have further sunk their momentum.

Wallsend though, has been one of the top sides in the competition so far and have well and truly stamped their intentions of not only playing finals football but potentially challenging for the premiership as well.

The result this weekend will prove whether Wallsend is the ‘real deal’ this season, or if Kahibah has any chance of salvaging their 2018.

Herald Women’s Premier League Round 7 Review

Story and photo courtesy of Northern NSW Football

Wallsend 3 (Laura Hall 2, Sass Seaborn 1) defeated South Wallsend 2 at Walker Fields on Sunday. Half-time: Wallsend led 2-0. 

Wallsend was able to fight off a strong South Wallsend outfit and keep the fourth spot on the ladder, beating the Wolves 3-2 at Walker Fields on Sunday.

The Devils opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Libby Copus-Brown and Sass Seaborn teamed up out wide to cross into the box which found Laura Hall for a cracking finish.

Hall managed to grab her second goal after running onto a through ball and chipping past the keeper.

The visitors scored their second goal before half-time when a Copus-Brown free kick into the box was finished by Seaborn after keeper Jess Sanderson fumbled the ball.

South Wallsend scored twice early in the second half on penalties with Olivia Kennedy stepping up to the mark but couldn’t string anything together in the later stages of the game.

Wallsend coach Marc Hingston says his side may have been too comfortable heading into the sheds with a 2-0 lead at half-time.

“Our opening 45 minutes was excellent and Laura scored the best goal in the competition I’ve seen so far,” Hingston said.

“We were leading 2-0 at half-time but didn’t come out of the sheds firing in the second half and we gave away two penalties.

“I thought our discipline was really poor for our standard.

“We need to put teams to the sword when we are in control but we still got the three points which is a positive for us.”