The defending champions the Macleay Valley Rangers made a statement when they defeated the previously unbeaten minor premiers Port United in the final game of the regular season on Saturday.
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Two first half goals proved the difference, as Brett Morn and Alex Le Mesurier found the back of the net.
Aided by a strong breeze at their backs, the Rangers opened the scoring when Morn tapped the ball in from close range after a deflection had caused the United goalkeeper to drop an attempted save.
The home side doubled their advantage five minutes from the break after some smart work from Sean Brucesmith.
The attacking player didn't give up on the play, chased down the ball inside the Port United box and cut it back to Le Mesurier, who made no mistake in making it 2-0.
Despite holding a two goal lead, Rangers coach Chris Walker admits both sides struggled to maintain possession and he was still cautious of United's ability to complete a comeback.
"It wasn't a scrappy match but it was hard to play a free flowing game because of the strong wind and it was a bit of a bumpy pitch," Walker said.
"I felt more comfortable after we scored a second goal late in the first half but I knew we still had to play well because Port are a quality side."
Walker was correct in believing United were going to throw everything at them in the second half, but fortunately for the Rangers, their defence was up to the challenge.
"They had the better chances and most of the possession in the second half but we defended really well," Walker said.
"John Clancy (Rangers goalkeeper) pulled off three or four great saves which kept us in the match too.
"But every one worked well and gave everything - no one had a bad game."
While the victory will serve as a confidence booster heading into the finals series, the win also cemented the Rangers into second position.
As a result, they will host Wallis Lake this Saturday in a qualifying final.
The winner of the contest will take on Port United the following week in a grand final qualifier, while the loser's season will be on the line in an elimination final against the winner of Port Saints and Camden Haven's clash.
Wallis Lake finished the season in third, Port Saints in fourth and Camden Haven in fifth.
Port United were the clear winners of the league, as they finished seven points ahead of the Rangers.
Saturday's qualifying final will kick off at Optus Park at 2.45pm.
Rangers reserves kick off against Port United at 12.45pm.
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