Port United Football Club have crushed Port Saints (2-0) as the Premier League splits into two conferences

Kempsey Saints gathered a narrow win (1-0) against Taree Wildcats at Eden Street Sporting Fields during the last round of the season on August 22.

Seasonal champions Coffs City United defeated Northern Storm (3-1) to take home the trophy at Korora Oval. Boambee Football Club claimed a convincing win over Sawtell Football Club (3-0) at Toormina Oval and the title of second place.

During the Port Saints versus Port United match, Matt Broderick and Ethan Perry each found the back of the net for United in the win.

Port United coach Nathan Wade said his side offered one of their more complete performances of the year despite playing more than 40 minutes with 10 men.

"We went into the match feeling like it meant something to us," Mr Wade said.

"We had to, otherwise we would have got flogged so we had to pump the boys up and say it was a bit of a grand final."

Broderick gave United a well-deserved first-half lead from the penalty spot before he was given his marching orders early in the second stanza for a second bookable offence.

Wade said his side had become well-equipped to playing a man short after doing so for 70 minutes with 10 men in last week's 2-2 draw with Boambee.

"It was probably our best performance for the year, but I knew at some point during the season that we'd play really well," he said.

"To outplay the team away from home that was leading the competition was really pleasing."

Saints coach Darrell Pascoe said the league silverware had slipped through their fingers, citing a "perfect storm of events" had contributed to the loss.

"If you've got a final coming up, you have all week to prepare mentally and we didn't get that chance," he said.

"Up until Tuesday night we were playing Boambee midweek and we planned for that and were ready for that.

"Then all of a sudden we're playing in a local derby for the championship with no time to adjust and no time to reset training."

Pascoe conceded his side was overawed by the occasion. "The lads probably were to an extent," he said.

"We haven't beaten United in a number of years so it would have been good to get that one on them in particular given it was our grand final. We just weren't able to get it done on the day."

Port Saints finished third on the ladder with six wins and three lost games, while Port United struggled to seventh with three wins, two draws and four losses.

READ MORE: New COVID-19 guidelines mean an early end for Coastal Premier League

The second half of the season has been revised to split the Coastal Premier League into a north and south conference. The changes were made due to NSW Health guidelines suspending inter-regional sports for a minimum of six weeks.

The northern conference will involve ten rounds with teams from the Coffs Harbour area, while the southern conference will feature Kempsey Saints, Macleay Valley Rangers, Port Saints, Port United and Taree Wildcats.

The first southern round is scheduled for Saturday, August 29 with Taree versus Port Saints at Taree Zone Field. Macleay Valley Rangers facing off against Port United at Optus Park, while Kempsey Saints will enjoy the bye.

Port United coach Nathan Wade said the split season feels a little underwhelming for the players.

"This season we were a bit slow off the mark and were playing catch up," he said.

"We had a lot of new and different players. It probably took five or six weeks to get used to playing together.

"At this stage we've been told we are going to play only four games, so our guys aren't that excited. All we have for the southern draw is five teams and you can't really have a premiership after four games.

"In a way I think they were just trying to fill in enough games so people didn't get upset about paying their rego money. Four games is a bit short to get a judgement on it."

Football Mid-North Coast South general manager Bruce Potter said the traditional season is likely to return in 2021.

"The season started with new rivalries and will end with some old rivalries," he said.

"The clubs enjoyed travelling and playing against new opponents in the first half of the season. They're looking forward to continuing and getting in a full season of matches.

"Despite its difficulties, things have worked out well this year, and we're looking forward to getting the two regions back together in one competition in 2021."

NSW Health guidelines recommend only essential people should attend football matches limited to players, match officials and necessary volunteers. Children of these people are permitted to attend where minding responsibilities necessitate. Recreational or leisure spectators are not allowed.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.