And Port Saints made a good first impression on the Football Mid North Coast Premier League on Saturday with a 3-1 defeat of last year’s premiers Wallis Lake at Findlay Park.

Saints won last year’s wooden spoon and again conceded early, but coach John Goodman’s side showed they might be made of sterner stuff this year.

It was the heroics of 16-year-old goalkeeper Cameron Higham which provided the first half turning point.

With Saints down 1-0, Higham saved a penalty and shortly after, Patty Hamilton equalised with a powerful left-footed shot that arrowed into the bottom left corner.

Anthony Jamieson put Saints ahead in the second half before Hamilton put the result beyond doubt.

Goodman was ecstatic at the performance of his young side.

“I’m probably happy I’ve got some nerves out of my gut and I know the kids can play football and toughen up,” he said.

“They were mentally really tough which was great.”

Goodman was most pleased at their ability to not lose confidence after conceding the first goal.

“They didn’t put their heads down when they copped the first goal so to get off the mark is nice and to keep Wallis Lake there is great,” he said.

Saints went down 4-3