It showed in United’s 1-0 win at Dixie Park on Saturday with Harry Gordon’s second-half strike separating the two teams.

Gordon couldn’t miss from inside the six-yard box after a cross was fumbled by the Tigers goalkeeper.

United coach Nathan Wade admitted his side were rarely challenged by a Tuncurry-Forster side that seemingly only showed up because they had to.

“It was a convincing 1-0,” Wade said.

“We dominated possession and the game and they pretty much just parked the bus.”

Wade said United had about “70 per cent of the ball”, but Forster’s defence frustrated his side for long periods.

“They hung in there and kept the scoreline respectable,” he said.

“It would have been nice to win four or five-nil, but they defended well.

“It was one of those games where we were looking to next week and Forster were looking to next year.”

The performances of Kaleb Langbein, Josh Casey and in particular Jyal Tregier impressed the coach.

“Jyal came into the side about halfway through the year and has taken his opportunities; he now looks like an established first grader.”

Wade said his team only needed to be more ruthless in front of goal when they clash with Macleay Valley in next week’s semi-final.

“It was pleasing we created plenty of opportunities; we just didn’t convert,” he said.