Cessnock Hornets backed up their recent good form with a gutsy 1-0 win over Belmont at Blacksmiths Oval on Sunday.
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Cessnock carried on where they left off against Toronto, moving the ball quickly and looking dangerous on the counter.
Their defence on a poor pitch was also quite resolute and set the tone for much of the contest.
A through ball late in the first half allowed Mitchell Cox to utilise his searing pace before slotting through the keeper’s legs to lead at the break.
The wind picked up in the second half and the game turned scrappy, with both teams somehow surviving a goalmouth scramble and the Hornets having to clear off the line.
Cessnock stood up when needed defensively, and deserved their clean sheet. Flanagans’s Menswear Players’ Player was Nic Hugo.
The under-23s remain undefeated with a 5-2 victory, which has them sharing the lead in the competition.
Belmont pressed hard and made Cessnock uncomfortable on the ball and led midway through the half.
Dylan Sams unleashed a rocket from a set piece to drag the Hornets back into the game. Further goals from Toby King and James Collins extended Cessnock’s lead before Belmont dragged one back with a long ball.
Sam Garaty stepped up to score from the spot, and then found Toby King from a corner to finish the scoring. Flanagan’s Menswear Players’ Player was unanimously Toby King, whose size, strength, work-rate and deadly finishing has added another dimension to the squad.
The under-19s and under-17s were both hit by injuries and player absence, with both teams struggling to keep 11 on the park. Both scorelines make for grim reading but will serve as inspiration from both teams to get their season back on track.
The Hornets have a postponed fixture against Kahibah FC to catch up, with dates being confirmed between the two clubs.
Cessnock will host West Wallsend at Turner Park this Sunday with under-17s at 9.15am, under-19s at 11am, under-23s at 12.45pm and first grade at 2.30pm.