Tamworth FC were "very good" in beating Demon Knights 1-0 at Johnson Field but continued to lack a finishing touch.
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So says FC mentor Greg Bartlett.
Cameron Potter scored the late winner, heading in a corner, to secure the competition leaders their eighth win of the season.
They lead North Armidale, who mauled East Armidale 9-0 on Saturday, by four points.
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Both FC and Easts have played 10 games.
Bartlett believes that FC produced their best first half of the season on Saturday.
"I was very happy with the way we played ... but we couldn't finish our opportunities, which seems to be a bit of a tale for us at the moment," he said.
He added: "I know we only scored with a minute to go, or something, to win. But I think we controlled the majority of the game ... so there's promising signs moving forward."
Bartlett said DK had his charges under pressure in patches, although they had limited shots on goal.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the performance was FC's defence, he said.
He singled out for special praise left-back Matt Gardner - playing his debut first-grade match this year - and right-back Sam Williams.
"So our defence was a lot better than it has been," Bartlett said.
He added: "It was a good, tough win.
"They're a hard team to play against, DK.
"We always have tough games against each other, and yesterday [Saturday] was no different.
"But it was a good game, a good game to watch.
"Like I said, I was really happy with the way we play.
"[There are] just a few little things that are letting us down at the moment, and finishing's one of them."
Bartlett was delighted that FC striker Kurt Barrow played a full match despite carrying a hamstring injury into the match.
Bartlett's son, Josh, played despite having five wisdom teeth removed before the match.
He described Potter's goal as "a bit scrappy".
"That's a couple off his head he's scored this year," Bartlett said.
In the other game, OVA beat North Companions 4-3 at Scully Park.