PORT United were good for 45 minutes, but unfortunately they couldn't maintain the rage for the full 90.
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While they went down 3-2 to Wallsend in a pre-season trial match at Wayne Richards Park on Saturday, coach Nathan Wade was still satisfied enough with what he saw.
"It was all about fitness for us; I wasn't even worried about the way we played," he said.
"Just have a kick and have a bit of fitness."
United went to the break 2-0 up following goals to Adam Woonton and Matt Broderick before they ran out of puff in the second half.
They could have had a third until the visitors earned a free-kick despite Matt Bale converting from the penalty spot.
"The linesman said one of our blokes had a foot inside the box when the shot was taken so he gave them the free-kick; apparently it's a new rule," Wade said.
"If that's the case for this season we'll be standing a further metre back."
Last year's Football Mid North Coast Premier League grand finalists started the match missing their entire midfield, but you wouldn't have known.
They moved the ball around fluently for their first run of 2020 despite the absence of Josh Casey, Simon Granfield and Jarrad Kohler who all appear unlikely to be a part of Wade's inaugural Coastal Premier League team.
It is a headache the coach will have to solve before their opening round clash against Port Saints on March 28.
"This year is more a rebuilding year for us rather than looking at the title," he said.
"We've probably had our three-year cycle so we'll bring in a lot of young kids this year and start again I guess."
United could be missing up to 10 players from their 2019 squad which will provide an opportunity for a number of young players.
"Special mention goes to Ben Oakley who had to play reserves and then played 70 minutes in first grade as well," Wade said.
"Our left and right fullbacks played reserve grade last year, but Mitch Stevenson and Lleyton Toft performed quite well on Saturday as well.
"It's given me something to think about."
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