LAKE Macquarie City suffered a surprise 6-3 loss to Singleton in their NEW-FM First Division soccer match at Howe Park on Saturday.

The Roosters couldn't have made a better start - they scored in the first minute and again two minutes later.

But a goal-scoring frenzy by Singleton saw the game flipped on its head and by the eighth minute Singleton led 3-2.

Singleton scored again just before half-time, and again 10 minutes into the second half to lead 5-2.

Lake Macquarie striker Sam Walker clawed one back, and in the process completed a hat-trick, but the result was already beyond doubt when Singleton scored a final goal off a deflection.

Roosters' coach Barry Ross was surprised, and disappointed, by the loss.

"Maybe after such a good start the team relaxed," he said.

"We had four players missing but that's no excuse because the players who filled their spot should have been up to the task.

"Our regular right centre back, Sean Mathews, was out and we really missed his presence."

It's the second time the lower ranked Singleton ambushed Lake Macquarie - in round 10, Singleton defeated the Roosters 3-1.

Lake Macquarie remain second on the ladder despite the loss but the minor premiership and, with it, promotion to the Northern NSW Premier League have slipped further away.

This Sunday, Lake Macquarie will look to bounce back against Thornton at Macquarie Field, at 2.30pm.

Ross said he expected a tough game from Thornton, who are one of the few teams to beat competition heavyweights Valentine and Wallsend.

"I'm tempted to have a change of structure even though it's late in the year," Ross said.

"A change of structure gives the team something to work on and something to focus on - it's more on the mental side of it."