Adam Scimone's Waratahs didn't dish up the complete performance during Saturday night's Western Premier League round three clash, but the heart his sky blues showed in the 2-1 triumph was enough to put a smile on his face.
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The home side went into the half-time break down a goal after Lithgow netted a penalty in the opening stanza, leaving Waratahs in a spot of bother with 45 on the clock.
But like any good side does, Waratahs showed composure as fill-in captain Craig Sugden continued his run of hot form, bagging a double to give the hosts a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
"I told the boys that if we conceded it was going to be a tug-of-war type of battle," Scimone said.
"It turned into an arm wrestle and we definitely could have done better. There were some chances early on that we didn't capitalise on.
"But, it was impressive to see the character from my boys. That showed ticker and we were able to get the win... I was happy with that."
The form of Craig Sugden is beginning to become somewhat of a talking point around the grounds.
The veteran scored a pair of goals during a round two blockbuster and backed that effort up on Saturday, much to the delight of the coach.
"He's found his feet in the WPL and he's leading by example," he said.
He's found his feet in the WPL and he's leading by example.
- Adam Scimone.
"I've made him captain while I'm out and he's doing the job. The first goal he scored was a bit of a tap in, but the second was a cracker.
Scimone wasn't able to definitively say where Sugden is playing in 2021, labeling him as a 'false nine' or 'support striker'.
"He's scored four goals in two weeks sitting up front," he said.
Conceding two goals is a massive improvement on last week's performance, but there's still work to be done.
While every side will drill all aspects of play at training, the focus for Scimone still lies at the back of the field.
"I've always harped on about being compact in defence and trying to work on that shape," he said.
"When we get pressed we seem to panic... the composure isn't there sometimes.
"If we can work out from the back, keep possession and play through the midfield, then we can hopefully finish our chances... that's what the session will be about next week."
Saturday's win was reminiscent of a frustrating game of FIFA, as Tahs' shots on goal far outweighed the points on the board.
"You've got to take them whenever they're on offer," he said.
"In another game you might hit the woodwork or not take your chances and your lucky will swing the other way and you don't get the three points."
Waratahs will continue their lengthy home stand with a round four tilt against Mudgee Gulgong Wolves at Jack Brabham on Sunday.
Josh Ward's Barnstoneworth United FC side dropped another match in round three as they fell to champions Dubbo Bulls 2-1.
The men in red are yet to win a match this season but have been brave.