"The first place position is important but we thought quite early on that this competition would be one where the ladder changes quite often," Macleay Valley Rangers coach Chris Walker told the Argus.

Rangers travelled to Coffs Harbour on Wednesday night hoping to stay on top of the Coastal Premier League ladder despite knowing a tough contest against Boambee FC awaited them whilst the second place Port Saints travelled to Taree expecting a win.

Saints were on nine points whilst Rangers sat on 10.

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As expected, Port Saints won 2-0 against the Wildcats whilst Rangers experienced an attacking match with a 3-3 final scoreline.

Tristan Smith managed to score a double with Brett Morn slotting the other.

Despite Rangers maintaining their unbeaten streak and Port Saints previously losing to the Rangers in round one, Port have leapfrogged them into first place.

Walker said the scoreline could've been larger if not for both goalkeepers stellar performances.

"It was nil-all at half-time but both teams had several opportunities to score with the goalkeepers pulling off some good saves," he explained.

"Once the second half started the floodgates really started to open.

"Boambee probably had a bit of a slow start to the season but they're really starting to hit their straps now."

The mid-week fixture was the first of its kind as Football Mid North Coast endeavour to play a full season and Walker thought his team managed the schedule well.

"The boys handed it really well, we weren't to fatigued by the late start which is a good sign," he said.

Saturday, Rangers will have to back up from their mid-week fixture against the third placed Northern Storm which kicks off 3pm at Optus Park.

Port Saints meanwhile play Coffs Coast Tigers away from home and Rangers will be hoping if results go their away they can regain first place.

"We haven't had any experience playing against them (Northern Storm) so we can't premeditate anything - we'll just have to focus on playing the way we play," Walker said.