Injury time goal denies Strikers the win

In a disappointing weekend the only other teams to pick up points were the Over 35’s.

The OneKey Resources first grade side travelled to Cessnock expecting the usual tough, physical game. Throughout the first half play flowed from end to end with both defences blotting out attacking moves.

Singleton probably had the best chances going close on a couple of occasions and after the break the Cessnock keeper was called on to make a top class save from a long range Hayden Nichols strike.

Mid-way through the half Joe Civello made a welcome return from the injury suffered during the FA Cup game at Edgeworth.

Shortly after that Dylan Bentley was dismissed for a second indiscretion but it was the ten man Strikers who took the lead in the 79th minute when a scramble in the Cessnock box saw Nichols find the back of the net.

Singleton keeper Corey Cleaver was called on to make several saves as the game wore on but was finally beaten well into ‘time added on’ to restore parity.

There was almost a further twist in the tail when the last kick of the game saw the Strikers hit the bar. With third placed Thornton also drawing, the point was enough to see second place retained.

The 23s had a disastrous first half conceding five goals before they were reinvigorated after the break by the introduction of several youngsters. No further goals were conceded leaving the home side convincing winners.

The 19s too were somewhat lack-lustre in the first half and were frustrated when Cessnock scored a goal well after the half time whistle should have sounded. Again this team played with more vigour after the break but failed to score giving the Hornets a 2-0 victory.

At Howe Park on Sunday, Singleton hosted the high flying youth squads from New Lambton.  The 14s still buzzing from lasts week’s success looked equal to their opponents for much of the game. After going a goal down very early Cody O’Loughlin made it 1-1.

Late in the game two goals by the visitors sank the locals. The 15s also went down early before Charlie O’Bryan found the back of the net twice to give Singleton the lead. With the last kick of the half New Lambton equalised and added a further three in the second half as their superior fitness told. The 17s who tend to look like world beaters or very ordinary let in two goals in each half to lose 4-0.

The weekend started with D Grade over 35’s scoring the only goal of a feisty game against Wallsend. Paul O’Louhghlin’s header from a Scott Daniel cross was the winner. The G grade fixture was a none event with Belmont declining the trip up the valley.

The All Age game on Saturday was a most entertaining one against Mayfield at Howe Park. After going down 0-2 early brothers Barton and Abe Jones restored parity. Barton’s long range free kick which floated over the keeper was the highlight. The visitor grabbed all three points late in the game with an easy header. On Sunday the ladies, short on players, lost their first game of the season at Lambton Jaffas.

Next weekend sees the senior grade sides having the bye,   the grade youth sides are at Belswans on Sunday, with the 15s also having a bye due to the hosts inability to field a team in that competition. On Friday evening D Grade 35s travel to New Lambton while G grade are at Lake Macquarie. All age are also at Lake Macquarie on Saturday afternoon while the Storm, Singleton’s ladies grace Howe Park on Sunday against Mayfield.