After a 3-2 loss to Port United two weekends ago, Kempsey Saints Women's Northern League A grade side were in the mood to bounce back on Saturday and show off their top two credentials.
The girls did just that securing a 2-1 victory over the Wauchope Cedars.
The Cedars were on the board first, converting a penalty before a Liana Tyne double in the first half sealed victory for her side.
"Wauchope have definitely improved since last time we played them, they battled away and held the middle of the field well and their goalkeeper stopped a lot of our shots," Saints coach Luke Flanagan said.
"The girls did (attack well), we're still getting ourselves in a rhythm and consistent football.
"This week was an improve on the week before after we lead Port United 2-1 most of the game then conceded two goals in two minutes.
"We didn't really look like losing (on the weekend), we've still got to convert more chances and a lot of what we're working on now is upping the ante in our attack and control of possession in the middle of the field."
After a few injuries following their State Cup appearance earlier in July, the women's side are almost back to full strength.
However, they will be missing some players during the finals.
"We haven't got anyone out due to injury at the moment except Marhee Tears who wasn't cleared to play on the weekend," Flanagan explained.
"She's full of energy and go, not scared of anyone or anything so you miss her, she's a utility player who can play in the backline or go up front and score goals.
"She's not at all intimidated by playing in the open's competition.
Flanagan said he's had some new additions do well when stepping up a grade.
"It'll give some opportunities to other girls to cement their spots with a few more juniors getting a go," he said.
"We started A'kaya Pilbeam last week and I thought she was really good and ready for the contest, she's not backing down from challenges.
"All the girls are impressed with where she's at."
In other Women's Northern League results, Macleay Valley Rangers had an emphatic 8-1 win over Wauchope Waratahs to stamp their authority as the ladder leaders.
Upper Macleay Yowies had the bye in A grade while Lower Macleay Brumbies and Saints fought out a 1-1 draw in the B grade.
In the Coastal Premier League, Kempsey Saints suffered a 4-0 loss to Coffs Coast Tigers while Macleay Valley Rangers were defeated 1-0 by Northern Storm.
Rangers currently sit eighth while fifth-placed Saints are in a fight for the finals.
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