Port United have hosted a scrappy 5-0 match against Taree Wildcats at Dixie Park on September 19

United hosted the Wildcats at Dixie Park on Saturday, September 19 in round four of the Coastal Premier League Southern Conference. The team mindsets couldn't have been more different with the home side keen to prove themselves as they go into a tough match against Port Saints next week.

Taree were just there to have fun as they end their season on a bye next week, said goalkeeper and captain Curtis Jones.

"It was a chance to have a hit out for us and obviously our season is done. We went out to have a bit of fun and we had a few players out," he said after the match.

"We had a few cards last week, we had four first grade players out and that hurt. But it was always about having the chance to get out and have a bit of fun."

United opened the match with a goal from Matthew Bale, followed by another from a free kick delivered by Ben Oakley. The ball was almost entirely played on the Taree defensive side before halftime as another goal was added to the Port United score.

After the halftime break a fourth goal was added within thirty seconds of play and Lachlan Walker delivered the final shot with a stunning mid-air deflection kick into goal off a cross.

United coach Nathan Wade said he was disappointed with the performance, despite the win.

"It was a bit sloppy actually, we got on top but took our foot off the accelerator a little" he said.

"I know Taree had a lot of players out but our boys were told not to play like that and that's actually what happened.

"It's something to work on for next week before Port Saints. Saints are a tough side and I'd expect it to be fairly even.

"The goals we got were good but I was more concerned with all the ones we missed. We need to polish and we need to be better."

In the other Coastal Premier League Southern Conference match of the day, Port Saints collected 3-2 win over Kempsey Saints.

Port United will play Port Saints at Dixie Park on Saturday, September 26 from 3pm in round five, while Macleay Valley Rangers will play Kempsey Saints at Optus Park at the same time.

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