The 4-3 win boosted the Redbacks up the competition ladder.

Taree's squad was depleted with many of their players unavailable for the vital clash. Several players were required to play reserve grade before backing up for the premier league clash.

Despite their lack of numbers, the Wildcats found themselves first on the score sheet early in the game.

A Redbacks defensive mishap after five minutes' play saw a Wildcats corner end up in the net.

The early goal could have played havoc on the Redbacks squad but the team immediately went on the attack, taking back control of the contest.

Liam Adelt and Harry Forster were creating plenty of chances out wide for much of the first half.

Eventually the weight of possession and control saw Adelt latch onto a Rob Holland through ball. A risky challenge saw the Redbacks awarded a penalty.

Holland coolly slotted home from the spot to leave the score 1-1 at the break.

The Redbacks started the second half in strong fashion, continually putting the pressure on the Wildcats defence.

Midway through the half, Jeremy Robinson received the ball on the right edge of the box and cannoned it in off the post to put the home side up 2-1.

Not long after, a scuffle in the box saw the ball spill out to Rob Holland who was able to score his second of the match and give the Redbacks a two goal advantage.

The hill was in awe when substitute Shannon Ravoul found himself in space from 30 yards before he lobbed the Taree keeper to put the Redbacks up 4-1, in what should have been a convincing and comfortable lead.

The visitors had other ideas, and in the last 15 minutes, the Redbacks found themselves under enormous pressure as intensity dropped. Taree proceeded to score two goals against the run of play, putting themselves just one goal away from a draw.

However the Redbacks were able to hold on, with the final score of 4-3 securing the Redbacks a much-needed three points on the ladder.

The Redbacks ladies side went down 3-0 to Port United in the final game of the triple-header.

The men will travel north next weekend to take on Kempsey Saints, whilst the Redbacks ladies team will also be travelling north, taking on Willawarrin.

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