Cessnock City coach Michael Gatt believes his side have what it takes to win the NEW FM Northern League One competition after beating Thornton 1-0 in their return to action on Sunday.
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A Zachary Kronholm goal after 45 seconds gave Cessnock the perfect start at Turner Park as the Hornets held on to secure a vital three points to help maintain their perfect start to the season.
The NEW FM Northern League One competition resumed after a four-month suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
And Cessnock flew out of the blocks to remain undefeated and set up a clash against 2019 grand final winners Belmont Swansea United next weekend.
"It was a good solid game. Hard fought, a real cracker, a slugfest more than anything. [The early goal] made for a very lively 90 minutes," Gatt said.
"It was difficult to get it all back. We had a first round win and then the bye. So we played one match and then had three months off, with one month to try and get them back ready to go.
"The team still isn't 100 per cent yet but one thing I've instilled in them is that we play with heart and passion for each other. As soon as we cross that line we go together and today was a prime example of why I believe we will be a title contender this season.
"Obviously next week will be the tell-tale sign. It will be a good indication of exactly where we're at, BelSwans down there. But I've got no doubt in my heart of hearts that this squad can go all the way. It will take a very good side to beat us."
Cessnock sit equal second on the table after three rounds, level on points with New Lambton and Belmont Swansea. While the defeat for Thornton leaves the Redbacks without a point after two matches.
"We had to come back out of this break and show what we are made of and how important those three points were," Gatt said.
"We're not going to be taken lightly. We wanted to go full steam ahead. The boys were primed to the best fitness levels we could get them to. I tried to get them to spike at the right time and today showed that. It was very important for us to come out of the break and get the three points and make it two[wins] from two."
The Hornets travel to Blacksmiths Oval to face Belmont Swansea in their round four clash on Sunday, while Thornton host West Wallsend at Thornton Park.