In a game where the quantity of Deep Heat in use is as great as the level of fluids being consumed, the Redbacks wasted no time in putting their limber muscles to use, and threatening the Port Saints side.

Young gun Josh Tomasone showed some great finesse early in the first half, weaving his way past three Saints defenders, and putting the crowd on the edge of their seats, but a shot at the keeper denied the Redbacks what would have been a very worthy goal.

After much end-to-end soccer, fuelled by some optimistic long balls from both sides, it was the Redbacks who were given an opening after a handball in the box.

With no sign of the mysterious ‘Barry’ which this enthusiastic supporter reported on last week, (although there was certainly a very similar looking Brian on the bench), it was Wayne Squires who stepped up to the plate, making no mistake with his shot, and the Redbacks were on the board, 1-0.

Taking the lead into the break, the Redbacks were then keen to defend and build on their momentum.

But it was defence which seemed to be the order of business for the Redbacks in the second half, as the side was forced to defend heavily for much of the second half.

The hand of God from the Redbacks, just outside the box, saw a free kick awarded to Saints early in the second half.

The shot was saved by keeper Scott Ramsay, only to be kicked into the back of a retreating Redback, which saw the side having to defend heavily once again.

Just minutes later, a tackle from behind, again fortunately just outside the box, saw Saints awarded another free kick. This time it was the Redbacks defensive wall who bore the brunt of the shot as they stood firm (although perhaps regretfully so for one), again denying Saints a point.

Eventually though Saints found a way to get on the board. Some poor clearance from Redbacks defence, and an unmarked player in the box saw Ramsay left in a one-on-one situation, of which Saints prevailed.

With the scores level at 1-1, it looked as though the win may have just escaped the Redbacks.

Having conceded a goal, the Redbacks also now found themselves down a key player, after Brett Anderson fell heavily and injured his shoulder, which not even the magical Deep Heat could fix.

Despite the troubles, the Redbacks persisted, and calls began to go their way. A free kick to the Redbacks just outside the box, was well-cleared by the Saints defensive wall, despite Redback Jose Ustariz camouflaging himself into the wall in an attempt to make an opening against players who at this point looked as though they were more suited for the NBA.

Minutes later, a cross from Tomasone was unlucky not to find the back of the net, after a flying Ustariz fell just a hair length short on a goal which would have had Tim Cahill applauding.

Finally though, it was a dangerous tackle by Saints, inside the box, which gave Redbacks the chance to get back on top, with Squires once again making sure of the chance, giving the Redbacks a 2-1 lead.

The final ten minutes seemed to play out in slow motion, as Saints pressured, and Redbacks were forced to defend with everything they had. At the final whistle though, the effort was clearly worth it, as the Redbacks came away with a 2-1 victory, and their first win of their short season so far.

This Wednesday sees the boys take on Port United at Findlay Park, at 6:30pm, before a break in the competition, for no doubt some much needed R&R.

It was a disappointing day for the Ladies as they went down 1-0 to Kempsey Saints White on the weekend.

In a competition where every team is a threat, Saints came out hungry, with a keen eye for possession and control, which caught the Redbacks off-guard.

Some heavy defence early in the first half ensured that Saints didn’t find the back of the net, but a seemingly lack-lustre approach by the Redbacks meant that chances were minimal, and Saints were in control.

With scores tied at 0-0 at half-time, the Redbacks needed to come out fighting in the second half if they were going to take control.

“We just weren’t looking hungry out there,” coach Tamara Burns commented after half-time.

“We were waiting for the ball, holding the ball too long, and not talking enough. Saints were proving a quality opponent, and their skill on the ball, combined with their teamwork was causing havoc for our midfield and defence. We needed to switch on if we were to come away with any points.”

Whilst the second half did see a resurgence within the Redbacks, the up-beat attitude didn’t last long.

Ten minutes in, a naturally tired Redbacks defence saw the ball roll past a number of players, and to everyone’s surprise, including Saints, into the back of the net.

To the Redbacks defence, the goal could have been the beginning of a tidal wave of goals, given the amount of possession Saints had had for much of the game, but the Redbacks lifted, and finally began to persist with their own chances.

But the Saints defence held strong, and despite some brilliant corners and free kicks from the Redbacks, the home side just couldn’t find the net. Final score 1-0.

“The loss was certainly disappointing, especially when we know we didn’t play at our best,” Burns said after the game.

“Nevertheless, our side will be back stronger after this loss. It’s given us a chance to better identify our weaknesses, and confirm our strengths.

“With a bye next week, we have two weeks of solid training now to get under our belt, and I’m confident our next game on the pitch will be tell a very different story.”

Reserves were short of players, and four under 18s played to help out. They showed their worth, and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Heath, Luke, Toby and Taylor all played solid games and were not out of their depth. Well done! Final result 1-3 to the Tuncurry-Foster team.

First grade was slightly disappointing at a team level, but all players still put in a solid individual efforts.

The Shaw brothers Jarryd and Aiden were outstanding mid-field battlers. A few missed chances and possession turn overs gave Tuncurry-Foster the points (2-0).

“If the coach can get his act together, team play will improve,” coach Jim Tredinnick said.