Despite arguably the worse ‘football weather’ of the season Singleton Strikers saw two senior teams – the Storm (ladies) and the Over 35’s G grade side - and two junior sides progressing in the end of season semi-final series. The weekend started at Valentine with the Over 35 G grade side, virtually at full strength, taking on Charlestown. The veteran Strikers conceded the first goal before a sublime through ball from Glen Cook found Gary Thorley who made no mistake. As the game wore on Singleton looked the more likely to score. A classy move down the right saw Calvin Sciani’s cross find Thorley who again found the back of the net. They will now take on premiers Warners Bay.
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Semi-final action on Sunday was at Stockton where the Singleton ladies, the Storm, took on bogey team Lambton Jaffas. Late in the first half, with the two teams evenly matched, Tove Crosswell shot from an acute angle to give the Storm the lead. Mid way through the second half several interchanges were made which seemed to upset the balance and fluidity of the team and Jaffas quickly equalised. The one all score-line remained to the end of full time and throughout extra time to set up a ‘shootout’ to decide whose season was over. It took six shots a side to break the dead lock when Jaffas fired one over the bar. In a great team effort mention should be made of their resolute defence , particularly Sarah Redgrove and Julia Slater, who held out the robust Jaffas attack. They now take on Uni Women, who were also beaten in a shootout by premiers Mayfield.
Meanwhile, four teams from the club’s junior section were in semi-final action on Saturday. At a time of day they had not played since U6’s the 13s took on Cooks Hill at Pelican. The fear that they would still be half asleep at kick off was ill founded as the boys started with a bang despite conceding an early goal. From then on nothing fell the way of the young Strikers who were finally beaten 3-1, a score that was certainly not a true reflection of the game. The Singleton goal was scored by Alex Staffa, back after a few weeks injury. The other three junior section teams had far less to travel. The 16Es were at Lochinvar where they beat Southern lakes 3-0 and they will now take on Jesmond at Thornton juniors field on Saturday at 12.15pm. The 17Es were at a very windy Branxton ground taking on premiers Dungog, to whom they have lost twice this season. Dungog took an very early lead but were pegged back when Alex Thompson found the back of the net. A lob from the edge of the box restored Dungog’s lead but a thunderous free kick by Alexander Holz ensured extra time. Singleton dominated this period, but were unable to score. The young Strikers were beaten in a ‘shootout’ and now have to play Mayfield on Saturday at Gresford (9am). This game was followed by Singleton’s 18Ds who bowed out against minor semi clash against Nelson Bay. However, several spectators mentioned the performance of Connor McLoughlin but the whole team deserved special praise none more so than keeper Matt Southwell.
