Maitland enter the "El-classi-coal" with a perfect four-from-four start to the NNSW NPL season. They have scored the most goals, 11, despite losing prolific striker Braedyn Crowley and are fresh from a 3-1 triumph over Azzurri.

"We are travelling pretty well, which is a bit unexpected with the amount of changes we have had in personnel," Bolch said. "The combinations have developed a lot quicker than I thought. We have eight new boys in the squad mixed in with senior guys like Carl Thornton, Matt Swan and Ryan Clarke.

"The work ethic has been outstanding. Adam Blunden is a young kid who came up from the Central Coast and has been doing really well at left back, Charles Cox in midfield and a young kid Flynn Goodman up top ... they have cemented first grade spots.

"We are pressing a lot more because of the youth that we have got. Our fitness levels are up on the past couple of years.

"Last year we were a bit thin-on. This year we have a squad of 15 or 16. You have that strength on the bench who can come on in the last 30 minutes and lift."

Crowley, with 13, was the equal-leading goal scorer in a COVID-19 shortened season last year and Bolch admitted he "wasn't sure where the goals were going to come from".

"That was one of my biggest concern," he said. "But we have three or four players who have two goals each and a couple who have one. Everyone is stepping up and playing their role.

"Jimmy Thompson has been outstanding leading the line. Young Flynn Goodman and Tye Cousins have also been great. Last week Alex Read and Ryan Clarke came in. You have those five fighting for spots.

"The competition at training is driving what we are doing."

After opening with a horror 7-1 loss to Lambton, Weston have restored order and sit in fifth spot with two wins and two losses.

"Weston beat us up there last year and I think the year before as well," Bolch said. "[Coach] Leo Bertos will have them well organised. They like to play football and have a couple of danger players. Young Jarryd Sutherland is a threat and Connor Heydon does well up front.

"You can't take anyone lightly in this comp. You need to turn up or you are not going to win."

Weston will field the same side that went down 2-0 away to Broadmeadow Magic last round.

"The boys were a bit disappointed at the end of the game last week," assistant coach Anthony Richards said. "I think we showed a little too much respect towards the other team. They now realise they are equal and competitive with these guys. We won't be paying the same amount of respect to Maitland.

"Maitland are a solid outfit defensively and that is what keeps them in games. Losing Braedyn, their top goal scorer, they realised they had to defend really well. And they are doing it. They are off to a flyer."

Elsewhere on Saturday, Edgeworth coach Michael Bridges has prepared the Eagles to be ready for a "aerial battle" against Charlestown Azzurri at Lisle Carr Oval.

"You always know what you will get against Azzurri and [coach] Graham Law," he said. "You have to win the battle. It will be aerial bombardment from the get go. If we can get the ball down and have the courage to play through their defensive unit, then we have a chance. If you get involved in the aerial battle and you are not winning it. it favours them."

In the other game Saturday night, an under-manned Newcastle Olympic host Lake Macquarie at Darling Street Oval.

On Sunday, Adamstown Rosebud are home to Lambton and win-less Valentine Phoenix host Broadmeadow Magic.

IN THE NEWS:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: