That's how Port United coach Nathan Wade is keeping his players' feet on the ground ahead of Saturday's mouthwatering clash with Wallis Lake.

United sit at the top of the Football Mid North Coast Premier League table, but Wade still believes their third-placed Forster opponents are the team to beat in the competition.

"They're the benchmark because they've proven themselves in finals matches and we haven't proven anything yet," he said.

"Teams like Wallis and MVR lift to a different level in the semi-finals; I don't know how many grand finals Wallis have appeared in."

United came away with a "lucky" 1-0 win when the two teams met on April 24.

"They had more chances than we did on the day and we just converted one of ours; our defence saved us again," Wade admitted.

The two form sides of the competition have both won their last five-straight and Wallis could move into second spot with a win that would also see them edge to within six points of United.

"I enjoy playing the better sides in the competition because you're always on the edge of your seat in the coaches box," Wade said.

"The only advantage for us is that we're playing at home, but they could lift because they're playing the number one team at home."

United goalkeeper Cameron Higham will miss the clash when he undergoes minor surgery with Kane Pollard set to line up in between the sticks.

First grade kicks off at 3pm at Dixie Park.

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