Despite piling on the pressure in the final 15-minutes, the Kempsey Saints weren't able to find an equaliser and instead suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Port Saints on Saturday.
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With a strong breeze at their backs in the first half, Port were able to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
A deflected Port shot wrong-footed goalkeeper Michael Barnett, who replaced the unavailable Jacob Lyttle, to open the scoring.
The breeze had died off considerably by the start of the second half and it gave Port more freedom to press forward.
The side doubled their advantage 15-minutes into the second half when a cross found an unmarked player at the back post who was able to find the back of the net.
The second goal resulted in Kempsey lifting their intensity and they pushed forward to get back into the contest.
Captain Troy Ward scored a quality goal with his head and it set up a frantic final 15-minutes.
However, despite numerous chances, the Port defence was able to hold on for the victory.
Saints coach Kevin Sinclair admitted his side lacked effort at times throughout the game and wants to see them reach the bar they have set themselves.
"I want to see us play the way we did for the final 15-minutes for the whole game," Sinclair said.
"We were desperate to win every challenge and gave everything in that period and we need to do that throughout the whole game."
The loss leaves Saints in equal fifth position with Taree Wildcats while Port, who sit in second position, now have a four-point cushion between them and the third placed Wallis Lake.
Lyttle, Harry James and Griffin Ryan were unavailable for the contest. Ward picked up player's player honours.
Saints take on rivals the Macleay Valley Rangers at home this Saturday.
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