The A grade side recorded a 5-0 win over Rangers with Annabelle Sneddon, Joanne Filipcic and Liana Tyne getting their names on the score-sheet.

Coach Luke Flanagan said it took some time for the girls to hit their straps but once they got comfortable the goals arrived.

"First ten minutes was a bit shaky, we were still trying to work ourselves out and get used to each other," he told the Argus.

"I thought if Rangers scored early it would've been a battle.

"Once the nerves settled and they got into their rhythm they played some really good, solid, attacking football.

"Ball movement, the way they played off the ball was really good - the kind of things we worked on in our pre-season.

"We had a massive pre-season, I really pushed them with their fitness and that definitely showed in the game.

"The lack of trials probably hampered us playing the perfect eighty minutes.

"It's biggest result we've possibly ever had against a women's Rangers side and it's all down to the hard work of the girls."

In the second division, Saints defeated Lake Cathie 4-2.

"In B grade some of those girls hadn't played before and hadn't played in a side without some of those stronger players around them and I thought they all really lifted and played a good standard of football," Flanagan added.

"It's all one squad and good to see B grade girls stay behind and support them.

"Both teams have bought into the type of football we want to play and they've trained for that and there's B graders who wouldn't look out of place in A grade so they're all working hard and if they perform well they'll get their opportunity.

"I'm very proud of the girls effort and happy to be coaching them - they're a good bunch of girls."

Saints also welcomed back Abbey Wilson and Amy O'Brien after a few years away from the club.

Wilson's comeback saw her awarded players player for her efforts as goal-keeper.

"Abbey Wilson has come back to us after a stint overseas - she was brilliant, she worked hard, especially in the first twenty minutes and that's what kept us in the match," Flanagan explained.

In the other Women's Northern League results, Upper Macleay Yowies unfortunately suffered a 5-0 loss to Wauchope Cedars in A grade while the Lower Macleay Brumbies had a 2-1 win over Port FC in B grade.

This Saturday, Macleay Valley Rangers play Camden Haven Redbacks while Kempsey Saints and Upper Macleay Yowies play off in a derby.

Another derby will occur in B grade with Lower Macleay Brumbies and Kempsey Saints playing at Gladstone.

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