The Lower Macleay Magpies' opening two games to start the season have followed the same script.
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The Magpies were in the grind until the final 20-minutes against the Long Flat Dragons and Laurieton Stingrays, before a lack of discipline and errors crept into their game.
The mistakes led to the Dragons and Stingrays earning double digit victories.
Magpies coach Mike Flanders admits his side needs to improve in the clutch.
"The results don't reflect how we played for the majority of the game," Flanders told the Argus.
"We have been in the grind, been neck-and-neck in both games, but we gave away penalties and dropped the ball far too often near the end of the game."
Flanders acknowledges the Magpies need to improve in this area if they are going to compete this season, and they have brought in an experienced head to help.
"We can't afford to let games slip," Flanders said.
"Uncle Barry Vale, who has a lot of experience coaching various representative sides, has come in and offered us some help."
The Magpies will put the additional knowledge to the test when they face the Beechwood Shamrocks this Saturday.
"They are in a similar position to us, I saw them play against Kendall and they were very good but they dropped the ball and had a few discipline issues too," Flanders said.
"It's very important that we get the win to get our season going."
The Magpies have also had a bye so far this season.
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