Port United know that better than most.

Now they are focused on not making the same mistake again when they clash with Macleay Valley in Kempsey on Saturday.

At stake is a spot in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League grand final and a shot at last year’s nemesis Wallis Lake.

If they get there, United will have done it the hard way having given up a 2-0 half-time lead when they last clashed with Rangers a fortnight ago.

Their cause could be helped with an injury cloud hanging over Rangers’ attacking midfielder Sam Applegate who always poses problems for opposition defences.

United coach Nathan Wade, however, said his side would prepare as though Applegate would play the match.

“He’s their most dangerous player and always causes us trouble so we expect him to play even if he’s on one leg,” he said.

“But they’ll still have 11 out there.”

Wade stopped short of suggesting his side beat themselves in the previous match although two defensive errors led to two Rangers goals.

“We still acknowledge they’re a great side who can beat anyone,” he said.

“A couple of mistakes cost us, but we learned we can definitely beat them.”

United have injury problems of their own with striker Josh Casey an unlikely starter due to a hip injury while Matt Bale is expected to be fit.

He will join captain Kaleb Langbein and Simon Granfield in the midfield.

“There’s a big question mark over Josh,” Wade said.

A fast start was important for the visitors to take the home crowd out of the match.

“That’s the advantage of having a home crowd because they get behind you,” Wade said.

“Hopefully we can score early and take them out of the match.”

First grade kicks off at 2.30pm at Dangar Street.