The Tacking Tavern Port United first grade outfit bowed out of the Mid-North Coast Premier League competition after losing 2-1 to reigning premiers Macleay Valley Rangers on Saturday at Dangar Street. United got away to the perfect start, scoring after just seven minutes. Sam McLean won the ball from a Rangers defender and played James O’Connor into space who went to the byline and knocked in a great pass to Liam Clarke, who finished off at the near post. The Port outfit’s luck then abandoned them when midfield workhorse Nathan Wade tore a calf muscle. He was able to hobble to half-time before being replaced.
The early goal rocked the home side who went all out to get the equaliser and United rode their luck for a while as their defence was stretched on several occasions. But they, too, had a few chances to double their lead, with a couple of close chances, bringing the United fans to their feet and exasperated cries following.
Early in the second half United had two golden chances to double their advantage. Andy Collins, who had replaced the injured Wade, went on one his trademark bullocking runs from midfield, forcing his way through the MVR defences, only to see his shot graze the outside of the post, with the keeper beaten. Simon Granfield then went agonisingly close from a corner when he got to the delivery first but the ball flew just over the crossbar. United striker O’Connor was then forced from the field due to injury following a challenge that was lucky to only escape with a yellow card.
After trailing 1-0 for much of the match, Rangers finally levelled the scores with 20 minutes remaining. MVR’s Chad Applegate was able to turn away from his marker and release a powerful left foot shot into the roof of the net that gave United keeper Thomas Rienstra no chance. Not long after the equalising goal, the home side were lucky not to be reduced to 10 men after United’s captain Tony Raymond appeared to be head butted off the ball.
Both teams were desperate for the next goal and play became panicked. With both sides having chances, it was Rangers who took their luck with 10 minutes remaining and were able to hang on to advance to next week’s Preliminary Final against Wallis Lake. A 50/50 challenge in the United end saw the ball deflect favourably for the Rangers striker who found himself in a race for the ball with Rienstra. But the Rangers player got his toe to the ball first and it had enough momentum to roll over the line, just beating a diving Theo Bullock who tried to clear.
Despite falling behind, United were finishing the stronger, but the Rangers defence held out until the final whistle. To further United’s frustration, a mixup with the official’s timepiece saw none of the expected four minutes of injury time added on – time which certainly could have proved the difference, with United pushing hard for an equaliser. Although disappointed with the loss, United’s coaches were full of praise for their side. After a shocking start to the season which saw the squad lose six of their first eight games, they regrouped and made it to the second week of the finals and, with a little bit of luck on Saturday, could well have been playing this weekend for a spot in the Grand Final.
