PORT United and Port Saints are through to the fourth round in the northern conference of the FFA Cup, but it wasn't without a few nervous moments.
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They both had to keep their composure from the penalty spot to do so where United (3-1 over Coffs Coast Tigers) and Saints (4-3 over Coffs City United) managed to do enough.
At Wayne Richards Park, United coach Nathan Wade would have been forgiven for breaking into a cold sweat when his side were locked at 0-0 after regulation time.
They were beaten from the spot the last time they faced a similar scenario during their Football Mid North Coast Premier League grand final loss to Wallis Lake last year.
"We haven't done real well in penalties in the past, but we probably found a team on our equal," Wade said.
Goalkeeper Cameron Higham proved the hero with two crucial saves after Adam Bretherton and Matt Broderick both failed to convert their chances.
Luckily, Harry Gordon, Matt Bale and Troy Berecry had no such problems.
"We're still a bit rusty in a lot of areas; we lasted 45 minutes against Wallsend last weekend and this game we lasted 70, so our fitness is getting there," the coach said.
Both teams created a number of scoring opportunities in regulation time and with a bit more polish the game could have seen a number of goals scored.
"It was a pretty even game," Wade said.
"Nil-all reads like it was pretty lacklustre but it could have been 4-all or 3-all; it was quite an end to end game."
Meanwhile, Saints new signing Roan Whiteman found the back of the net before Luke Townsend netted a late equaliser to also send their side to the spot against Coffs City.
Coach Darrell Pascoe was pleased with his side's opening performance of their 2020 campaign.
"It was pleasing given it was our first hit out," he said.
"From a starting lineup point of view we had four players from our side that finished last year so there a lot of new combinations and it was really pleasing the way they came together.
"We still have players that are learning how others play."
Goalkeeper Anthony Scarbello came up with a number of quality saves to keep his side in the contest after they trailed 2-1 early in the second half.
Pascoe felt his side finished over the top of their opponents.
"In the last 10 minutes we were coming home really strong, equalised and could have had a winner at the end."
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