The day started with the Betts Bower Haulage under-17s kicking off in drizzling rain that did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the young Strikers.

They were soon on the offensive, and the slick passing and pace of their attack was causing all sorts of trouble for Cessnock. 

This led directly to the Strikers’ first goal when Trae Proudlock befuddled his defender before being unceremoniously hacked down in the penalty box.

Hamish Mayled kept a cool head and swept his penalty shot into the net to give Singleton a 1-0 lead.

Two further goals to Cashlin Murray-Mell – the second a delicate lob of the advancing keeper that was universally applauded – gave the Strikers a comfortable 3-0 advantage at the break.

The under-17s went on with it in the second half, with Theo Klok adding two well-taken goals, before Mayled nabbed his second with a thunderous shot after good lead up work by Dan Bray.

Cessnock managed a late consolation goal, but the final score of 6-1 was a fair indication of the under-17’s dominance.

The Viatek under-19s started slowly and paid the price by allowing Cessnock to take an early lead through a defensive mix-up. 

The boys rallied and managed an equaliser through Tom Golding, and sustained a good period of football.

However, it was short-lived as they fell asleep to concede three goals within five minutes just before half-time to effectively finish the match as a contest.

Any chance of a comeback was snuffed out early by Cessnock when they added a fifth in the second period, before debutant Jeremy Wilde scored an individual goal to restore some pride for the Strikers. 

Cessnock completed the scoring to bring up the final 6-2 tally.

The ATC Williams under-23s took a strong looking line-up into the game – and started with confidence.

Singleton was unlucky to concede the opening goal just before half-time, but they came out with renewed vigour in the second period and enjoyed the better of the play without really worrying the Cessnock custodian.

As the Strikers attacked, looking for the equaliser their efforts deserved, they were dealt a sucker punch when the hosts scored late through their only attack of the half to win 2-0.

The Concept Controls first grade team was looking forward to its clash with Cessnock, a game that always offers plenty of spice. 

The match started at a frenetic tempo, with the Strikers beginning – as they have in all games this season – at a cracking pace.

They soon thought they had gained an early breakthrough when they had the ball in the Cessnock net, only to turn and see the linesman flagging for offside.

Not long after this setback, the home side started making their own inroads. During one of these attacking raids, Singleton’s central defender Jordan Phelan was adjudged to have tripped his opponent, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Cessnock duly converted to take the lead.

The second half started in much the same vein.  

But possession and field position won out, and Singleton was awarded a penalty of their own when striker Dan Bartlett had his shirt pulled as he was trying to reach the ball.

Captain Jackson Cox accepted the responsibility of the spot kick and scored easily as he sent the keeper the wrong way.

The side had the momentum now, and a second goal looked inevitable.

Dan Bartlett soon obliged, when a long-range floating effort undone the Cessnock custodian who fumbled the ball into his own net.

With 20 minutes remaining, the Strikers held on desperately as Cessnock tried to get back into the match.

Singleton had a strong appeal for a second penalty waved away when Lloyd Wakewood was brought down in the box, while at the other end, youngster Jackson Skinner was proving a saviour defensively as he nullified Cessnock’s  wingers.

But, the Strikers held on for a deserved 2-1 victory.