MISSED opportunities in front of goal have cost Oxley Vale Attunga in their clash with South Armidale at Chaffey Park.
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Looking to redeem themselves after being defeated 12-1 the last time the two sides met, the Mushies came into Saturday's clash under strength.
However, the lack of experienced personal did not seem to hamper the home side in the first half as they matched it with the Scorpions.
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The visitors hit the scoreboard through Tom Smith early in the first half, before the Mushies hit back to level the score.
Liam Georkis then found the back of the net for Souths in the shadows of half-time, which proved to be the difference at the end of the game with Souths saluting 2-1.
Mushies playing coach Mitchell O'Keefe said his side's inability to convert chances in front of goal hurt them in the second half.
"The boys were down early, but really rallied strong to come back around half-time," O'Keefe told the Leader.
"To be honest, I thought we might be able to get them in the second half, but we missed too many chances.
"We had plenty of chances in front of goal, but we just couldn't finish them."
The loss was the Mushies first in the past three weeks after they recorded victories over Demon Knights and North Companions.
"I think the difference between the past two weeks and today [Saturday] is that in the last two games we have converted our chances," O'Keefe said.
"However, today [Saturday], we didn't seem to be able to do that. We hit the posts plenty of times and just couldn't seem to make it happen."
O'Keefe said the efforts of the side's "more experienced guys" helped keep them in the game.
"In terms of our best players on the day, it's hard to look past Adam Watson, Lachlan Brown and Josh McGann," he said.
"Those guys were outstanding and really kept us in the game."
Despite the loss, the Mushies hang onto fourth place on the Premier League ladder, while the win sees Souths hang onto third spot.
Souths captain Josh Frost said victories on the road were important for his side.
"It's a really tight competition this year and any team can beat you on their day," Frost said.
"From that respect this is a really good win for us away from home and hopefully it will help us solidify a spot in the top four."
In the round's other action, North Armidale accounted for North Companions 3-1 and Demon Knights defeated East Armidale 5-0.