Maitland's James Thompson has edged ahead in the NPL golden boot race but coach Mick Bolch believes the contribution of his young recruits has been the key to their success.
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Thompson has stepped up this season in the absence of last year's competition equal top-scorer Braedyn Crowley to bag nine goals. He went one ahead of James Virgili (Broadmeadow), Jared Muller (Olympic) and Kale Bradbery (Jaffas) on Sunday when his corner kick was fumbled over the line in the 3-1 win over Valentine.
The Magpies also had a goal from Ty Cousins, who then set up Ryan Clarke. Cousins, who has four goals for the year, came to Maitland this season along with Joe Melmeth and Flynn Goodman, who have three each.
Bolch said the mobility and fitness of the trio and another young recruit, Tyrell Paulson, had been vital for Maitland this year.
Maitland sit second on 31 points with a genuine chance of securing their second premiership in three years. They next play Weston and Adamstown before finishing against top-three rivals Jaffas (34) and Broadmeadow (30).
** Weather and COVID restrictions permitting, the NPL schedule will be back on track come next Wednesday night, despite the uncertainty and postponements caused by the lockdown over the past month.
This weekend's catch-up round is Edgeworth v Jaffas, Weston v Maitland, Charlestown v Olympic and Broadmeadow v Valentine. Next Wednesday night, the other games in hand - Edgeworth v Lake Macquarie, Valentine v Adamstown and Weston v Magic - are scheduled.
** Edgeworth coach Michael Bridges was delighted with the quality goals in a 3-0 win over Weston on Saturday but also in the efforts of keeper Josh Low.
Jeremy Brockie starred with a double but Bridges was quick to praise Low, who helped the fourth-placed Eagles draw level with Magic - on 10 goals conceded - for the league's best defence.
Broadmeadow drew 1-1 against second-last Adamstown to fall to third. Magic had not played a competition game since June 30 because of postponements.
Coach Damian Zane said "we were a bit rusty but Adamstown were very enthusiastic and you've got to take your hat off to them".