Opportunities were scarce throughout the 90 minutes, but it was Cowra who were able to collect the three competition points defending a lead from the 35^th minute onward.

Winger Shaun Mortyne played a key roll in getting his side in front, making a surging run and blasting a shot on goal which was blocked by the goalkeeper but deflected in off a defender.

Cowra’s defence held firm for the duration of the match, something that pleased coach Adam Gambrill who said his side wasn’t at their best.

“Something I learned last season is that these types of wins are the ones you need to go far in the competition. It may not be as satisfying as a three or four goal thumping but they’re just as important,” Adam Gambrill said.

“At halftime I spoke about taking our chances because a one-nil lead isn’t usually good enough. To our credit we came out and controlled possession and the tempo.

“They only had one or two really good chances. They didn’t get a lot other than that. We defended really well.”

Gambrill labelled the opening 15 minutes of the second half as crucial.

He identified the work of Mickey Howarth, Lucas Hayes, Ethan Willis and Matt Reed as outstanding as the back four.

The result is Cowra’s second clean sheet this season, having only conceded one goal after their opening round 4-3 loss against Abercrombie.

Gambrill said he expects CSU Red to be a premiership contender.

“From looking at results, they’re are probably the second best CSU side but they’ll be up there,” Gambrill said.

“It wasn’t a pretty win. It was a messy contest. They’re young, fit and physical like us.”

With the bye this weekend, Cowra looks forward to back-to-back home games in for rounds four and five.

A couple more wins would put Gambrill’s side in good stead at the halfway point of the season.

On Sunday, May 7 they host Macquarie United then Panorama Black on Sunday, May 14.