The Weston Bears are now two victories away from winning the National Premier League premiership, after defeating Charlestown City Blues 4-1 at Rockwell Automation Park on Sunday.
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The win put the Bears over Lambton Jaffas into second position and only two points behind leaders, the Jets Youth who drew 2-2 with Hamilton Olympic.
It has set up a fantastic last two rounds – with the competition that close, Weston are still not 100 per cent guaranteed a place in the playoffs yet alone the top two or three.
Weston got off to a flying start on Sunday when Garry McDermott scored in the 11th minute after some great build-up.
Robbie Turnbull and Jason Cowburn played major roles in some tidy interchange of the ball. Cowburn’s final back heel sent McDermott towards goal and had one touch before calmly slotting the ball into the left hand corner to deliver a 1-0 lead.
More was to come when Nathan Morris played the ball long with Connor Evans getting on the end of it.
Once he did he beat his defence he rounded the advancing keeper Andrew Goldman, his pinpoint cross saw the ball hit the inside of the post and cross the line and extend the lead.
Weston missed two clear-cut chances within the next 10 minutes, but they were solid enough to deny the opposition (who contain plenty of class) and go to the break with a 2-0 lead.
The second half was only seven minutes old when Rob Macbeth gave the Bears an unbeatable 3-0 lead. Brock Oakley played the ball down the right edge and Evans turned his defender inside out.
Getting to the back line he cut inside two further defenders and guided his pass to Macbeth who made no mistake.
Former A-League player Troy Hearfield, who was surprisingly on the bench, replaced Josh Maguire in the 61st minute for Charlestown.
Only a minute later Charlestown scored via Scott Smith and it clearly put a different picture on proceedings.
Weston seemed to sit back on their heels for a while and protect their lead, which seemed dangerous.
With nine minutes left Robbie Turnbull scored his second goal of the year and gave the Bears a certain three points with the four goals.
Mick Ryan, who replaced Cowburn, played a delicate ball into space which Turnbull clipped left foot and into the corner of the right net.
Jamie Subat resumed from injury and came on late for Zac Sneddon as did Jake Barner for Turnbull.
The under-22s suffered a setback, losing 2-0, and now sit in equal fifth position with two other sides.
Weston’s under-19s moved to third position with a 2-1 win made very difficult by the amount of wasted chances.
Lachlan Doyle via the penalty spot and Jacob Golding with a late winner scored the second half goals after being behind at half time.
This Sunday the Bears face South Cardiff at Ulinga Oval in what is as tough as a road trip as they could face – a small ground, small sheds and a crowd that is in your face will provide a big test just in that regard.
The Bears’ juniors have the bye this weekend after playing at home last Saturday with two wins and two losses.
Weston’s under-17s may have left their run too late despite winning 3-1 over Football Mid North Coast for a finals berth.
Dylan Bentley scored a well-deserved hat trick where the Bears always seemed in control.
The under-15s went down 2-0 in what was arguably their worst performance of the year, especially in the first half. No doubt they will learn from the defeat and will be better next time around.
Weston’s under-14s are in fourth position after a 3-2 loss with Lachlan Yates and Aydon Von Essen the scorers.
The under-13s’ steady improvement continued with a 2-1 win over second-placed FMNC with Ben Fuller scoring a brace.
Tonight (July 30) at Weston the Bears will take on the Jets’ Senior squad with kick off at 7pm.
Admission is free of charge; all catering facilities will be open to the public.
It is another opportunity for the people of the Hunter Valley to have a sneak preview of many of the Jets new players. David Carney is expected to play while new striker Jeronimo has arrived from his last club Adelaide and should get some game time. Gates open at 5.30pm.
The Bears’ 50th consecutive season in the State League Celebration is only 10 days away – set down for Saturday, August 9.
The event will be held at Weston Workers Club from 6.30pm and is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends.
Tickets are $30 per person and include a three-course meal and are available from the Workers Club until Friday, August 1.