In a match where the Redbacks played 65 minutes with 10 men, Saints couldn’t find a way to break down last year’s grand finalists.

Jeremy Robinson was sent off for a second bookable offence, but Saints didn’t take advantage of the extra player.

After Macleay Valley Rangers lost 1-0 to Taree Wildcats, Saints coach John Goodman reflected on an opportunity lost.

“They didn’t park the bus, they still continued to play which you have to give them credit for, but we brought our D-game.”

Aiden Shaw gave the Redbacks an unlikely lead in the first half with a perfectly taken free kick that nestled into the top corner.

Michael Bishop equalised for Saints just after half-time with a cross that turned into a shot.

“I think the sun got in their goalie’s eyes with that one, but we’ll take it,” Goodman said.

“We should have taken the points so I hope that’s our bad game out of the way for the year.”

Redbacks coach Jim Tredinnick echoed Goodman’s thoughts and said it “wasn’t a very high standard of a game.”

Goalkeeper Lachlan Peterson kept the Redbacks in the game despite the error which led to Bishop’s second-half goal.

“He came up with a couple of really good saves after that goal,” Tredinnick said.

In reserve grade, Saints registered a 2-0 win.