For the second time this season, the Mustangs have escaped with a victory after their opponent missed a penalty goal in the final minute while trailing by one.
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The Wauchope Blues missed a penalty goal from right in front earlier this season and on Sunday the Forster-Tuncurry Hawks failed to steer the ball through the uprights when trailing 31-30.
The missed penalty sent the Mustangs into jubilation as they held on for the win after five-eighth Stephan Blair slotted a field goal in the final three minutes.
Despite the victory, it was a tough afternoon for the hosts as they trailed for the majority of the contest.
Mustangs coach Russell Lardner was disappointed with his side's performance and admitted they have a lot to work on ahead of the finals series.
"We were our own worst enemy and shot ourselves in the foot for most of the game," Lardner told the Argus.
"Our ball control and discipline was very poor. We dropped the ball heaps and gave away far too many penalties. It forced us into defending heaps and that took its toll.
"We need to return to the basics and get the simple stuff right."
The Hawks opened the scoring with a try inside the first five minutes and it was a sign of things to come as Forster-Tuncurry remained on the front foot for the first half.
The visitors took a 22-14 lead over the competition leaders into the break but Macleay Valley were able to hit back in the second half.
The two-sides exchanged tries to start the second 40-minutes before Lardner took it upon himself to give his side the lead.
Lardner scooted out of dummy half and managed to barge his way over the try line and give the Mustangs a 30-26 lead.
The Hawks tied the score up at 30 with eight minutes left before Blair's heroics resulted in the competition leaders earning the narrow victory.
"It was an intense final eight minutes and the result could have gone either way," Lardner said.
"I am just happy we were able to escape with the points. At the end of the day, a win is a win and we will hold onto top spot because of it.
"Tyler Roberts had a lot of impact and his brother Richie led the way like always."
The Mustangs will need to find their best form ahead of their top of the table showdown with the Wingham Tigers this Saturday.
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