Ben Homer

Broadmeadow Magic 2 (Paul 53’, Virgili 90+2’) defeated Weston Bears 0 at Magic Park.

Ruben Zadkovich grabbed his first Playstation®4 National Premier Leagues Northern NSW victory with Broadmeadow Magic defeating Weston Bears in a gritty encounter at Magic Park on Saturday Night. In the only match of a rain-affected round two, Broadmeadow went clear at the top of the table, but they didn’t have it all their own way.

The first half produced limited chances as Weston’s youthful side did well to deny the experienced Magic frontline. In his club debut goalkeeper, Kane Runge, was superb as he defused countless Magic corner’s swinging in with the strong south-easterly breeze at Magic Park.

While Broadmeadow dominated most of the field position with the wind behind them in the opening 45, it was Weston who had arguably the best chance. Former Emerging Jet turned Bear, James Thompson, found himself with acres of space on the right side of the box and a clear sight on goal. But, Thompson could only hit his strike over the bar.

The two sides headed to the sheds all locked up at 0-0, but, on resumption Magic found the breakthrough just eight minutes into the half. Lawrence Foteff found himself unmarked at the back post and headed a Scott Pettit cross from the left across goal to an onrushing Shane Paul who tapped his finish into an open goal to give Magic the lead.

Things soon got worse for the visiting Bears when Jordan Jackson was given his marching orders for a rash challenge, which earnt him a second yellow card in the 65^th minute.

But, the Bears refused to go away. Magic had a few nervy moments including a Jamie Byrnes header which Broadmeadow keeper Niko Giantsopolous did well to hold onto.

Broadmeadow would have the final word though sealing the match in the 92^nd minute as James Virgili broke free from inside his own half. The speedster rounded Runge and slotted home to ensure the three points were staying at Broadmeadow.

Zadkovich, felt while the match was scrappy it was a solid performance from his side.

“It was pretty much exactly what I wanted. I knew it was going to be a scrap against those boys as they are young and they want to prove themselves and they want to work really hard. They did quite well and came with the right attitude and made it a really competitive game,” Zadkovich said.

“There’s still plenty to build on and plenty to work on but for where we are at after a pretty heavy week of training, I was pretty happy with that.”

Weston coach Steve Piggott was pleased with how far his squad has come in recent weeks but says their finishing needs still needs to be better.

“It is great for a coach to see the improvement in five or six weeks from the pre-season to the opening rounds of the comp. But, we just need to execute those one or two chances we have in front of goal and we will have a chance to win any game.”

“That’s the difference for me, once the execution starts in front of goal, we make less mistakes and keep the ball, we will have no problems and win our fair share of matches.”

It doesn’t get any easier for the Bears as they return home to take on the Lambton Jaffas on Sunday, while Broadmeadow faces Valentine at Magic Park on Saturday night.

 

Washed Out Fixtures

 Northern NSW Football is currently working with clubs to reschedule the washed out fixtures on the weekend.