Maitland took an important three points in a come-from-behind win over Charlestown on Saturday and coach Keelan Hamilton believed the competition newcomers could also take plenty of belief from the performance.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When the Magpies took over Thornton's Newcastle Herald Women's Premier League licence this campaign, the big question was how much baggage would players bring with them after the Redbacks had struggled to win a game in recent time.
But they showed plenty of fight to turn a 1-0 half-time deficit into a 3-1 win at Cooks Square Park to draw level with Azzurri on 12 points, one behind fourth-placed Adamstown.
"We had our two leading scorers out in a must-win game, 1-0 down just on half-time from another mistake, which we've made a lot of," Hamilton said. "They showed great character in the second half. It was really big."
Related content:
Maitland face Adamstown this weekend and a win could have the Magpies back in the top four as the league nears its halfway point.
"I think we are still a team that is dealing with that scenario of belief, around what we're capable of, how far can I push myself within the game, how physically competitive can I be in the game," Hamilton said.
"There's still those moments and then the moments of believing that we are good enough when we play to our maximum to win games. There's a long way to go but, if this group of players can get themselves into a semi-final, it would be a huge achievement for them."
Hamilton was full of praise for experienced attacking player Sophie Stapleford, who he said produced "a captain's performance" to inspire the second-half comeback against Azzurri.
It included "a screamer" of a goal - her first of the season.
"She went and took the game by the scruff of the neck and made it hers which was really good to see," Hamilton said.
"She's not back to full match fitness yet either but that performance would've been a nice confidence booster for her."
IN THE NEWS:
- Former Hunter Surf Life Saving member jailed for historical sex offences against young girls
- Hackers hit JBS: Australian meatworks giant with Scone connection
- Apartment owners in East End complex question 10-year management contract tied to developer Iris Capital
- Nelson Bay park assault trial of Neil Wood and Francis Leigh hears from defence
- Westfield Kotara's introduction of a low-sensory environment for those with autism and dementia grows in popularity
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:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News