In a game of two halves, Port FC dominated large portions of the first period and created a number of one-on-one opportunities with the Rangers’ keeper, only to have the shot stopped or pushed wide.

At the 10-minute mark, Luke Buckley found himself in front of goal following some good lead-up work by the Port FC midfield.

However, Buckley’s shot lacked power and the goalie managed to get his foot to the ball and deflect it around the post.

Dilly Prestegard had two opportunities a short time later but, again, the side lacked the finish to put itself ahead.

Port FC then suffered a major blow in the 35th minute, losing Matt Witt to a knee injury.

From that point, the team lost some of the momentum and shape across the midfield.

Witt was causing the Rangers all sorts of problems down the left flank, as he had done all season.

The combatants entered the break locked at 0-all.

Macleay Valley began the second half in control, running the Port FC midfield and backs around and finding plenty of space.

This pressure saw the visitors concede a penalty when Toby Glover was judged to handball in the area.

Goalie Terence Stafford, in his first game in five weeks, pulled off a fantastic save to keep Port FC in the match.

He then repelled Rangers’ shots over the next 10 minutes with some inspirational keeping.

Despite his presence, Macleay Valley eventually hit the lead with goals in the 70th and 80th minutes.

With five left on the clock, Port FC managed to pull one back when Matt Ramm made a run down the left flank.

He found Matt Bale inside, who neatly slotted back to Ramm – shooting a missile into the top of the net.

Port FC continued to push forward in a bid to grab the equaliser but was unable to breach the Rangers’ defence.

“We had our chances today,” coach Phil Cook admitted.