JOSH Casey and Adam Woonton found the back of the net on Saturday as Port United extended their lead at the top of the Premier League ladder.
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United now find themselves five points clear of nearest rivals Port Saints after a 2-0 win over Macleay Valley Rangers at Dixie Park.
Woonton's second-half strike five minutes from time sealed the result although coach Nathan Wade conceded their opponents were unlucky not to emerge with at least a point.
"To be fair to MVR, they could have easily snuck in a second half goal when they came at us pretty hard so maybe they were a bit unlucky," Wade said.
"Hopefully we've got the recipe right now.
"It was a hard-fought win and we probably didn't play our best; it was a bit scrappy and a pretty physical encounter."
While United's defence has only conceded three goals in nine matches and kept yet another clean sheet which was pleasing, it was their efforts in possession that disappointed the coach.
"I wasn't exactly happy with our guys but they still got the win so I can't complain about that," he said.
"We'd do three or four passes in possession and then the next one we'd turn over all the time so I wasn't very happy with that.
"There's still quite a lot of work that can be done. We kept inviting them into the game because we kept turning over possession too easily."
The defensive performance of their back four was impressive with centre back Jake Pugh awarded man of the match honours.
"It was pleasing to keep last year's premiers scoreless because they've got quite a good side," Wade said.
"The introduction of Jake Pugh has made a big difference in the backs because he's playing quite well and our guys at the moment are working as a unit.
"The back four all know what each other are doing."
The competition now has a break for the June long weekend.
"I'm going to give them a week off training to freshen up and all come back enthusiastic again," Wade said.
"We've got Camden Haven down there after the break and they're hard to play on their own field."
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