The stadium hosted the game this week for the second successive year, with FMNC Northern and Southern selections having half a game each against the 2017/18 A-League grand finalists.

This week's game in Port Macquarie drew a crowd of 4200, up on the 2017 figure, FMNC chairman Mike Parsons said.

He described the night as ‘absolutely sensational.’ 

“Newcastle CEO Lawrie McKinna and coach Ernie Merrick were ecstatic with the response and the organisation of the visit,’’ Mr Parsons said.

“We had a lot more children and family groups there this year – it was a great atmosphere.’’

FMNC Southern coach Rod Bartley from Taree had urged the Football Mid North Coast Coast board to switch the game to either Taree or Forster-Tuncurry next year should the Jets return. 

Bartley argued in the Manning River Times on June 22 that supporters in this part of the zone should have the opportunity to see the Jets play without having to travel to Port.

Mr Parsons said it has yet to be confirmed the Jets will be back next year, although he remains optimistic this will happen.

“Our connection with the Jets is strong and I’m confident they’ll return,’’ he said.

It has been reported there were some concerns with the lighting at the Regional Stadium the game, although Mr Parsons wouldn’t elaborate, saying he will discuss the matter in full next week.

“But it does underline how badly we need a regional facility to call our own in this area where we can host these type of matches,’’ he said.

He hopes to speak to new MidCoast Council general manager Adrian Panuccio regarding the concept. 

Mr Parsons said he wouldn’t rule out the game coming south in 2019. However, he added FMNC has a strong working relationship with the Hastings Port Macquarie Council, saying council supported this week’s visit through sponsorship as well as providing the facility.

“Unless something changes dramatically I would say the game would be played in Port again next year,’’ Mr Parsons said.

The Jets conducted a coaching clinic at Forster on Monday en-route to Port while the players stopped over at a FMNC holiday clinic held in Taree on Wednesday for a meet and greet.

Mr Parsons said Football Mid North Coast is looking to spread marquee matches throughout the zone and will play the premier league grand finals this year at Tuncurry’s Harry Elliott Oval for the first time since 2011.

FOOTBALL Mid North Coast’s Southern squad held a full strength Newcastle Jets A-League squad to two goals in the trial game played at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium this week.

Last season’s A-League grand finalists ran in isx goals in the first half against the FMNC Northern selection.

“We managed to keep them to two goals,’’ Southern coach Rod Bartley said.

“It was a fantastic effort.

“It took Newcastle 23 minutes to score against us.’’

Bartley described the match as ‘a great experience’ for the players and the coaching staff.

“There was a big crowd there – I think it was bigger than last year and to play in front of all those people is something most of our fellas will probably never do again,’’ he said.

Football Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons said later the crowd was 4200 – up on the 2017 figure which was around 3900.

“We’re amateur footballers and we had a limited preparation playing against fulltimers. So it was a great effort,’’ Bartley added.

Bartley and his assistant, Jonathon Newman, concentrated on defensive drills during the preparation for the match.

He nominated three players – Beau Wynter from Wallis Lake and the Taree combination of Lucas Mepham and goal keeper Curtis Jones as being outstanding for the Southern side.

“Curtis was really good,’’ he said.

“He kept us in the game. He had been down a bit on confidence in our club games for a few weeks but that happens to all keepers. But he was really outstanding against the Jets. Beau and Lucas were fantastic as well.’’

Bartley had requested his side play the second half of the match because his players had to travel further than the majority of their northern counterparts.

The southern side was selected from the Wallis Lake, Tuncurry-Forster, Taree and Camden Haven Football Mid North Coast Premier League clubs.

MEANWHILE Football Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons will be the guest on Friday Sport Talk on the Manning River Times Facebook page next Friday from 10.30.

Mr Parsons will discuss the successful visit by the Newcastle Jets and other matters concerning the code on the Mid North Coast.