Broadmeadow coach Damian Zane was pleased with the response from his side in a 3-0 win over NSW NPL 1 side Apia-Leichhardt in their Darren Stewart Cup clash on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Magic were part of the day honouring the late Socceroo at Peacock Field for the first time. Hosts Toronto-Awaba lost 5-4 to Apia's under-20s side before Magic took on their top-grade squad.
After a scoreless first half, Broadmeadow scored in the 53rd minute via a header from Jarred Baker off a Matt Hoole cross. James Virgili got in behind and finished for 2-0 in the 62nd minute after a ball from Mitch Rooke. Teenager Tom Parkes scored the third, hitting a quality strike from the edge of the area in the 79th minute.
It was Magic's first win in pre-season but they have drawn or been a goal away from Sydney opponents Sutherland, Northbridge and Bonnyrigg.
Zane was happy with the effort on Saturday against a side featuring Blake Powell, veteran keeper Ivan Necevski and former Jet Themba Muata-Marlow. Broadmeadow were also without Jon Griffith, Luke Virgili, Josh Piddington, Luke Callen and Jake Harris.
"It's the best result so far but I don't think it's necessarily the best we've played," Zane said. "But I know where we're at without the results telling me, but for the players it's a good little boost
"Before the game I spoke about how it was a privilege to be involved. They all probably don't know who Darren Stewart was, but he was an elite player. It was good to be involved and I think they lifted, even though it was a trial, for that occasion."
Craig Kerry
Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.
Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.
