That's the verdict from Macleay Valley Mustangs captain-coach Anthony Cowan as his side went unbelievably close to victory in a thriller at Verge Street Oval.

The Breakers couldn't have got off to a worse start, dropping the ball on the second tackle of their first set.

Macleay Valley took full advantage with fullback David Davis scoring in the first two minutes to make it 6-0.

The Mustangs fast start became 10-0 as Sam Dunn capitalised on a Cowan cross field kick.

Poor discipline began to cost the Mustangs with consecutive penalties marching the Breakers up field.

Viliame Tobesawa's hit-ups for Port were proving hard to stop as the former Kempsey Cannonball ate up several post contact metres.

The Breakers turned 10-0 into 10-4 with a short-side play before Tyler Roberts went over minutes later to lock the scores at 10-all.

Co-coach Steve 'Rock' Walker joined the field and looked animated as he attempted to fire up the troops with the crowd matching his intensity.

Moments later, Ivan Madden scooted from dummy half and looked as if he'd scored only for it to be ruled a knock-on.

The Mustangs ended up in attacking territory again before a cut-out pass landed in the hands of Port's Jarred Robbins who ran the field to score.

Tensions rose just before half-time as a high shot saw Walker sent off with Cowan following him for ten-in-the-bin.

After a great showing in 18's, Port's Corey Lewis went over to make it 18-10 at the break.

Eight penalties against the Mustangs, compared to the two conceded by Port was proving to be a major factor.

With eleven players on the field the Mustangs started the first half attacking the line as fortunes changed and the Breakers discipline became detrimental.

Consecutive sets followed but the home side were unable to find the killer blow.

With Cowan back on the field, both sides found themselves with 12 players as Richie Roberts was sin binned for a high shot in the 50^th minute.

Not long after, an excellent burst from Selwyn Smith saw a supporting Ethan Thompson cross the paint to make it 18-16.

With the crowd cheering for a winner the Mustangs continued to attack.

However, with only 12 men they were unable to find a try as the Breakers held on.

"I'm speechless. To be down with eleven men and taking two experienced boys off like myself and Rock, how they held themselves in the middle against a good experienced, quality side like the Breakers, they stayed in the grind, I'm just speechless, I can't put that performance into words," Cowan told the Argus.

"I'm over the moon."

The Mustangs notably had players out with several in different positions compared to their win over Wingham last week with Ethan Thompson at lock, Tim Bull five-eight, David Davis fullback and Ivan Madden at hooker.

"We had five out but I don't use that as an excuse because I've got depth in the club, I've got people that can come through and do the job," Cowan said.

"I keep saying it every week - I believe in this club, I believe in these boys, they've got heart and they're dead set footballers.

"They're the next generation coming through, it's as simple as that.

"I'm only learning where these kids play, apparently he [Madden] does play 9, but it doesn't matter what position these kids play, you put a jumper on their back [and they'll give their all].

"I've got big Kale Van-Dugteron in the centres and he goes into the middle for 60 minutes and kills it, Shane Davis doing the same thing.

"The score doesn't reflect on the game - I really feel like we won it out there."

Earlier in reserve grade, Port's half-back Jordan Pateman put in a two-try performance as the Breakers defeated Macleay Valley 34-8.

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