Weather wreaks havoc in NNSW with 5 matches washed out

One NPL NNSW game survived the weather and it delivered a blow to Weston Bears’ title push.

An “El Clasicoal” defeat. A frustrated coach. Another home stumble.

Maitland FC walked into Weston and walked out with a massive 1-0 win thanks to James Thompson’s first-half strike and a wall-like display from goalkeeper Taylor Pate, whose heroic saves denied the Bears time and time again.

The Magpies brought aggression. Urgency. Edge. Weston never really recovered from the first half.

“[I was] frustrated that our first half was so poor,” Bears coach Damian Zane admitted via NPL NNSW.

“We didn't deserve anything out of the first half, and we didn't get anything. That's essentially where we lost it.”

It leaves Weston in second, two points off the pace having played a game more and searching for answers at home.

The contrast is bizarre. Six from six away. Stuttering in front of their own fans.

“I can't put my finger on it,” Zane said. “We're actually looking forward to going away.”

That sentence alone says plenty.

Meanwhile, Maitland looked like a side rediscovering itself.

Coach Adam Hughes revealed the Magpies had challenged each other internally during the week - demanding more intensity, more fight, more connection to the badge.

The response was obvious from the opening whistle.

“We spoke during the week on some things as a collective, some of our values and how we play for our badge,” Hughes said. “You could see there was a little bit more from the group itself, emptying the tank at the completion of the game.”

Maitland defended with desperation, pressed with purpose and reclaimed fifth spot from Lambton Jaffas in the process.

“The evidence is there,” Hughes said. “That's the minimum standard for me.”

Round 13 ultimately became a one-game show after the other five fixtures were washed out across New South Wales.