CPL: Macleay Valley Rangers defeat Port Saints | Photos

After losses to Port United and Coffs Coast Tigers, the Macleay Valley Rangers played the football they're capable of on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Port Macquarie Saints.

Captain Chad Applegate was missed last year and his return made a difference but coach Simon Tamblyn didn't put it down as the sole reason for a return to form.

"It made a bit of a difference but we were a lot better in the midfield, we tracked a lot better than the week before," he told the Argus.

"Our defence made the big difference more than Chad being back plus we had a few player changes from the week before."

Rangers opened their account in the first fifteen minutes and probably should've extended their lead but went into half-time at 1-0.

"We had two or three clear cut chances after our first goal but Saints keeper kept them in the game, we really dominated the first half," Tamblyn recounted.

Ten minutes into the second half Rangers were in again, solidifying their lead with minimal chances to follow for both sides.

Chad Applegate and Troy Ward were the goal-scorers.

"We probably had the strongest team we've had on the park all year, we were a bit more fit, changed a few people around and had a bit more physicality about us which helped in defence and we didn't get bumped off the ball as easily," Tamblyn explained.

Macleay Valley now move onto a home game against Northern Storm after the latter drew 2-all against Boambee Bombers.

Rangers currently sit in equal fourth with close rivals Kempsey Saints.

In reserve grade, Port Saints showed why they're on top of the ladder winning 4-0.

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