Port Saints Football Club are sitting pretty at the top of the premier league first grade ladder after downing previous leaders, Coffs City United in a thrilling 90 minute tug-o-war.
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Teams ran onto Findlay Park recognising that their rivals also held five wins and the top two rungs of the ladder on Saturday, August 15. A win would mean holding the top spot with 18 points, a loss providing second place with 16 points.
The game was fierce from the outset as the Saints young guns took on a battle hardened Coffs City playing group on Port Macquarie home turf.
The Saints broke the deadlock early as they sent a cross flying in from the boundary, headered in to the net during the first half of play.
Frustration fueled the second half as both teams fought to break through defensive structure for a clean shot on goal. Neither succeeded.
Saints created two shots on goal from Roan Whiteman and held a strong defensive line against 45 minutes of punishment to lock up the game 1-0 at fulltime.
Coffs City United coach Glen Williams admitted that frustration got the better off him, after he was carded by the umpire late in the second half.
"Disappointing from our perspective. Our guys didn't play to their potential and we weren't keen enough today," he said.
"(With the card) I was a bit frustrated with the refereeing. I felt we weren't getting the blow of the whistle and I was probably worthy of getting a card.
"We're obviously disappointed with losing the top of the ladder but we've got a mid-week match and we'll fight again for the top spot."
Port Saints coach Darrell Pascoe said Coffs City fought for the whole 90 minutes, putting the Saints under tremendous pressure.
"We're absolutely stoked and happy for our lads. You watch how Coffs move the ball and play, they're at the top of the ladder for a reason," he said.
"Our lads stuck to the task and worked really really hard. In the first half I thought we created a number of opportunities. I was impressed with our ability to stay composed and work hard, as a coach you couldn't be happier.
"Great to get a win at home, in front of the crowd, your supporters and the juniors. They (Coffs) will be hard to beat at home and I take my hat off to them."
In the other round six matches, Boambee drew with Port United (2-2) at Ayrshire Park and Coffs Coast Tigers dispatched Taree Wildcats (3-0) at Taree Zone Field.
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