Football action over the weekend was limited for Singleton Strikers FC with most games called off due to the state of grounds in the Newcastle area.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NewFM Youth League games at Howe Park were the only ones played at that level along with a full programme of 'community football' at Alroy Oval on Saturday conducted by the club's junior section.
Both Over 35 games and the senior NewFM games, against Wallsend fell foul of the city rain. Wallsend were the visitors to Howe Park on Saturday.
With each team winning one game and the third ending in a thrilling draw. The 13s continue to show improvement, all that is missing is a victory for a team that fights as hard as any. Beaten two nil by the visitors, a draw would maybe have been a more reflective result.
The young Strikers had chances and picking a top player was almost impossible. Wallsend 14s were withdrawn from the competition some weeks ago while their 15s won the title last year and are one of the top two this season. They put Singleton under immense early pressure and took a two nil lead before a superbly taken penalty from Callan Hungerford reduced arears.
The visitors regained their two goal buffer and looked like adding to it when former local youngster Jake Hobden chipped the keeper only to see the ball brilliantly cleared by Cody O'Loughlan, arguably the player of the day.
As the game wore on the Strikers pushed forward and goals from Campbell Martin and Alex Staffa, despite the latter being the target of some rather crude tackles, saw the game end Singleton 3 Wallsend 3, much to the dismay of the visitors.
After their implosion two weeks ago it was hoped that the 17s would get back on track and renew their challenge for a playoff spot.
They managed to get all three points but lacked the usual fluency, though it should be said that they were not allowed to 'play' as teams are starting to use disruptive tactics to stem their style.
Few people were satisfied with the first half display but once Cameron Neal scored from a delightful Atticus Sinclair pass Singleton looked to be in control.
As the Strikers failed to add to the lead, despite dominating, Wallsend snatched a goal at the other end. Then with time running out a thunderous Sinclair strike settled the result.
Though the teams around them have played fewer games the team is now in fourth spot on the ladder.
Last Wednesday the Singleton ladies beat Greta Branxton No and travel there again on Friday evening to meet that club's other team.
Both over 35 teams have a break for the school holidays. The NewFM teams are all in action at South Cardiff with the juniors travelling on Saturday and the senior squads on Sunday.
