Coach David Walker is not surprised by Maitland's strong start to NPLW Northern NSW and has described a match-up with widely tipped premiership contenders Warners Bay at John Street Oval on Saturday night as "a welcome challenge".
The Magpies have no big-name signings while the Panthers feature current Newcastle Jets Tara Andrews, Cassidy Davis and Lauren Allan as well as former national league players Adriana Konjarski (nee Jones), who has scored 11 goals in four outings, and Tara Pender.
But, led by a firing attack, Maitland have rolled Mid Coast 4-0, Newcastle Olympic 5-0, Charlestown Azzurri 3-2 and Adamstown 7-5 to be on 12 points and level footing with defending premiers Broadmeadow but second by goal difference.
"I'm happy that the players are getting results from the effort and teamwork they're putting in," Walker said.
"There's still obviously gaps in our performances that we'd like to close up but for where we are at this point in the season, we're probably a little bit further ahead in some respects than what maybe some expected but about where I thought we would be."
Warners Bay are third with nine points with their only blemish a 3-2 loss to Magic in round four before bouncing back with a clinical 6-1 win over fifth-placed Azzurri (6) last weekend.
Maitland and the Panthers have no shortage of strikepower and the round-six game is likely to be won in defence.
"Last weekend's result showed that Warners Bay have the ability to outclass even the stronger teams in the competition, and it will be a welcome challenge for us," Walker said.
"I'm looking forward to it, to see how the girls respond. They've been up to every other challenge so far.
"I think we've got an attack that can hurt even the best or match it with the best, so for that reason, absolutely looking forward to it."
The Magpies showed plenty of grit last weekend to beat Adamstown in a dramatic encounter. Rosebud came from 4-0 down to make the scoreline 4-4 before being overrun again.
"A really positive character and team trait is our strength," Walker said. "We have a very good group across the board. We may not have any ex-W-League players but we have a very good base across the park.
"This weekend we certainly need to keep our shape and our structure and our mental strength for the whole 90 minutes."
Walker was hoping for the returns of captain Sophie Stapleford, goalkeeper Imogene Tomasone and attacking player Ainsley Childs from illness after they did not play against Rosebud. Both teams should be close to full strength.
Panthers coach Craig Atkins was equally expecting a tough encounter.
"They're unbeaten and are playing some good football and it's going to be a big challenge," Atkins said.
"They're obviously a very well-organised and structured side. Their front three can be very dangerous, so we're going to have to monitor them closely and they have some good experience in the middle of the park leading them around.
"I think defensively is going to be a big part of who comes out on top on Saturday night. Looking at some of their results, and we know we can score lots of goals as well, but defensively, and that's defensively across the park, it's going to take a really strong effort from all of the girls to hold them at bay as well."
Also on Saturday night, Mid Coast play Magic in Taree. On Sunday, Olympic host Adamstown and New Lambton take on Azzurri at Alder Park.
