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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
James Gardiner

Promotion-relegation play-off teams decided, as Weston book grand final spot

Weston left it late but that only added to the celebrations.

The Bears scored three goals in extra-time, including a bomb from halfway, to stun minor premiers Broadmeadow Magic 3-0 in the Northern NSW NPL major semi-final at Magic Park on Saturday night.

The win propelled Weston into the grand final for the first time in 12 seasons. They went down 2-0 to Lambton Jaffas in the 2014 decider.

Their last championship was in 1995.

Weston players celebrate after the 3-0 win in extra-time over Broadmeadow Magic. Picture by Sproule Sports Focus

Magic, after finishing seven points clear at the top of the table, now face a showdown with Maitland, who beat Edgeworth 2-1 at Cooks Square Park on Sunday.

Daniel McFarlane scored Maitland's match-winner in the 86th minute, his left-footed strike from inside the penalty area curling past the keeper and into the left of goal.

Edgeworth had drawn level in the 65th minute via a Flynn Goodman header, and had the field position to do so again in injury time, but couldn't find the back of the net.

Weston needed a penalty shootout to beat Maitland (5-4) in the qualifying final a week ago, and were heading down the same path on Saturday.

But in the ninth minute of extra-time, young gun Nelson King swooped after Magic failed to clear a corner.

The midfielder, who made his debut this season, latched onto a bouncing ball and slotted home.

It proved an entree.

Chris Hatfield doubled the advantage in the 117th minute, collecting a ball over the top before cutting across Jeremy Wilson and firing a shot inside the near post.

Defender Ryan Ensor put an exclamation mark on the result, controlling a clearance inside his own half and then firing a 55-metre speculator which went over the head of keeper Daniel Axford and under the crossbar.

The goal was extra sweet for Ensor, who played for Magic last season.

Progression to the grand final follows Weston's qualification for the Australia Cup round of 32, where they went down to Melbourne City.

Magic were without Bailey Wells and Ben Diamond, while captain Tom Beacham picked up an injury late.

Meanwhile, coach Blair Newham reckons Kahibah are starting to believe again.

The Rams dispatched New Lambton 3-0 in the second leg of the promotion play-off to progress to the final.

Kahibah took a 2-1 lead into the home leg on Saturday.

Jackson Burston put Kahibah ahead in the sixth minute before super subs Matt Home and Dan Byrne combined for goals in the 71st and 87th minutes.

Kahibah, which finished 11th in the NPL, will meet Newcastle Croatia in a one-off final at Weston on Saturday, September 5.

Newcastle Croatia beat Wallsend 3-2 on Sunday at The Gardens, but advanced via the 9-8 two-legged aggregate score. They scored twice in the second half to save the day, after Wallsend led 2-1 at the break.

"Belief is starting to grow," Newham said of his Kahibah side. "We went 15 games unbeaten last year to go up [to the NPL].

"We went 15 games unbeaten last year to go up [to the NPL].

"It is a team that is used to winning. This season has been difficult for us.

"To win two on the bounce, we are backing our selves whoever we play in the play-off final.

"If we play as well as we can play, we will fine."

Burston returned on Saturday after missing the first leg against New Lambton with a hamstring twinge.

"Jackson is a focal point for us and the way we play around him," Newham said. "

"We have a lot of young boys in the front third who need that bit of experience to hold the line high.

"That made a difference today. We got boys in pockets and created a heap more chances."

In the NPLW semi-final at Cooks Square Park, Maitland thrashed New Lambton 5-1.

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