Singleton Strikers FC's weekend saw first grade moving up to third on the table thanks to a 3-1 win over Wallsend at Howe Park on Saturday while, on Sunday, three of the four youth grade teams registered wins (the under-13s nightmare start to the season took a major step forward loosing dramatically by the odd goal in five).
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First grade, still without three regulars due to injury, welcomed the return of power-house defender Jordan Phelan from injury and a return to Striker's colours of Klaudon Amataj.
The Albanian previously played 45 games for the club between 2014-17.
Singleton started off with a bang and it was Ryan Dean, who had the best games since his return, who was credited with the first goal on six minutes.
Jackson Cox made it two a few minutes later before Wallsend began to find their way back into the game as the home side appeared to lose their intensity. The visitors continued to press after the break and found the back of the net to reduce arrears.
Midway through the half they were reduced to ten men following a bad tackle.
This re-focussed the Strikers who added a third, thanks to a thunderous Phelan header.
After the game it was Jackson Cox, described as an 'energiser bunny', who was announced as the 'Players' Player' at the Royal Hotel.
SINGLETON'S RESULTS:
First grade: 3-1
U23: 0-8
U19: 0-6
U17: 3-0
U15: 1-0
U14: 7-1
U13: 2-3
Both 19s and 23s despite starting their games reasonably well suffered crushing defeats. The 19s again relied on a number of under-age players and two of these Kye Dann and Braeden Messenger were among those who stood out. Players Player was the outstanding Nick Watson. 23s with a full team but suffering from a lack of cohesion, due to changes in personnel, were unable to match a better and fitter team on the day. Jack Kelly was Players Player.
On Sunday the day started well despite the 13s losing 2-3. Rather than become despondent after the Cooks Hill game the club's youngest Northern League one team showed that fighting Singleton spirit. They were two nil down at the break but pulled them back with goals from Christian Bentley and Ben Ruigrok before Wallsend snatched a late winner. The 14s, who had also been finding football at this level a struggle answered their critics in emphatic style by beating their opponents 7-1. Six of the goals were scored by Alex Staffa, probably a record by a Singleton player at this level. The other goal was scored by Luke Dunn. Also deserving a mention was defender Trae Rowan who blocked out every attack confronting him.
The 15s took on a Wallsend team in the top three but returned to Singleton having scored the only goal of the game.
This team which had a taste of this level of football last year is starting to gel into a handy outfit. The goal was scored by Blayden Brooks, who had more than held his own playing 'up' the day before.
17s coach Roger Hughes was seen smiling all the way back to town after his team beat Wallsend 3-0.
A great strike by Cameron Neal reflected Singleton's dynamic start as they took the lead. After a certain amount of complacency late in the first half, the lead was doubled with an opportunist goal by Peter Mutasa after the re-start. This seemed to knock the wind out of Wallsend before a shot by Mutasa was deflected into the net to bring up the final 3-0 score line.
All seven Strikers NewFM League teams will be at home on Good Friday with the 13s kicking off the day at 9am. The final match will start at 6.45 with South Cardiff the opposition in all grades. Full canteen facilities will be available and a great day out can be assured.