Cessnock Hornets defeat Wallsend

With Wallsend holding down a finals spot, the Hornets relished the underdog status, taking the game to the Red Devils which upset their controlled style of play.

Both teams cancelled each other out in a scoreless first half.

The second half thrilled supporters with end to end action, at times quite fiery.

Wade Attewell opened the scoring with a speculative cross which caught the keeper off his line and Cessnock lead 1-0.

Wallsend hit back through Dave Hodgson, with Kyle Clarke restoring Cessnock's lead with a superb free kick over the wall.

Wallsend was awarded a penalty for handball to make it 2-2, before Jeremie Morton was hit in the back, and composed himself to sink the resulting penalty for a 3-2 lead.

With minutes to go a scramble on the 18-yard line saw substitute Mitchell Cox slot home to complete the win.

In a very close vote, Wade Attewell was awarded Flanagan's Menswear Players’ Player.

The Hornets’ under-23s made it three wins on the bounce and gained ground on fourth-placed Wallsend with a 1-0 victory.

Having scored six goals and conceding one in their previous two games, the Hornets were gathering momentum and were dominant throughout, with keeper Shannon Attewell only touching the ball once in each half.

At the other end Cessnock were cutting the defence to shreds but failing to hit the net, with two glaring misses from six yards out looking as if it would haunt them.

With minutes left, Matthew Francis floated in a glorious free kick and veteran defender David O'Hearn glancing his header past an on rushing keeper to seal the win.

Flanagan's Menswear Players’ Player was Jordan Willard.

The under-19s were defeated 4-1 and produced an inconsistent performance where mental lapses cost them goals.

After going four games undefeated recently this loss will provide motivation to return to form, and also improved effort at training.

Rhys Paprocki netted for the Hornets, with Aaron Comerford voted Flanagan's Menswear Players’ Player.

The under-17s were unlucky in an entertaining 5-3 loss, despite frosty conditions.

Jack Turner continues to impress with his composure and stability in the engine room, Brandon Gear netted for Cessnock, with Jeremy Noone netting a double and Flanagan's Menswear Players' Player.

The Hornets have the bye this week, and will hold their annual bowls day at Paxton Bowling Club on Saturday, July 2. Entry is $20 per person, and a bus will be running from the Caledonia Hotel to Paxton from 10am.

Old Boys Day is just around the corner, when the Hornets host West Wallsend at Turner Park on Sunday, July 31. All former players, supporters and committee members are encouraged to attend.

More information will follow, so keep an eye on the Facebook page and the Advertiser.