PORT United defeated Sawtell 2-1 in the Coastal Premier League last Saturday at Toormina Oval to boost their chances for a semi-finals finish.

Following a scoreless first half, Sawtell opened the scoring after the break which gave the home crowd hope of an upset against last year’s southern zone winners but it was Port United who dug deep to overturn the deficit and grab a much needed three points.

Sawtell coach Joe Skyrtic gave his assessment of the match.

“The feeling was positive within the team and I thought this would be our game.

“First half we were on the back foot with United applying pressure in our back third which we defended really well, we just didn’t seem to find the right channels going forward.

“Second half we started well with a quick goal straight from the kick off, after that United stepped up a gear and we dropped down one.

“Our ability to keep the ball let us down and simple errors occurred which allowed United the victory,” said Joe.

Port United coach Nathan Wade acknowledged the fighting spirit of Sawtell.

“Tough away game, Sawtell made us fight for everything, full credit to our boys coming from one goal down to get the win.

“(Our) season so far is a bit up and down, we haven’t had the same starting team two weeks in a row for the whole year.

“We would like to be slightly higher on the ladder, but we are within striking distance if we are good enough.

“There are three rounds remaining but we still have five games to play and four are at home,” said Nathan.

Sawtell President Simon Portus acknowledged the fine margins in this year’s Coastal Premier League.

“We played an excellent first half and scored within 20 seconds of the second half kickoff but unfortunately a few lapsed moments later in the second half let us down and Port took advantage and scored.

“It’s hard to take, especially when we were playing so well but it’s also the story of our season so far.

“The positive is that they know they can match anyone in the comp, it’s just doing it for 90 minutes, that comes with experience and keeping focused as a team,” said Simon.

Sawtell take on their cross town rivals the Coffs Coast Tigers next Saturday 31 July at 5pm at Polwarth Drive.

 

By David WIGLEY