In an even first half, both sides created chances but failed to convert, going into the break locked at nil-nil.

Shortly after half time it was Ryan Bray who got Illaroo on the score sheet first, slipping through the Bomaderry defence and beating the keeper to make it 1-nil.

Not long after that, Illaroo youngster Brendan Kellet continued his strong run of form, scoring after Aaron Crittenden squared the ball up to him inside the box.

With half an hour to go in the match, Illaroo defender Nathan Stanley was sent off which put the home side under the pump.

Their two goal advantage was soon reduced to one, when Dale Russell followed up a Brad Bailey free kick, cleaning up the scraps and knocking the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

Illaroo were reeling with only 10 men on the park, however Bomaderry failed to make the most of the opportunity before Russell was also sent off not long after scoring for the visitors.

The ledger evened up on the field but would not change on the scoreboard as Illaroo held on for a 2-1 victory.

Illaroo coach, Andrew Timbs, said he was very happy with how his side responded in the second half after having a player sent off and then conceding a goal soon after.

“They dug really deep, showed a lot of ticker and I was really happy with the performance.

“The desperation was there to defend our lead on Saturday, we worked for each other and it looked like they really wanted to win,” said Timbs.

Bomaderry coach, Ben Foley, said it was the ‘same old story’ for his side, as they struggled at both ends of the pitch.

“We just keep leaking poor goals and not converting our chances when we have the opportunity,” said Foley.

“It was good that we made a game of it in the end but we copped two quick goals after half time, so it was too little too late,” he said.

Timbs said the best players for his side were Brendan Kellett and Ryan Bray as well as Sam Leedham, who played a strong role in defence.

“Ryan has pushed up into central midfield, but when we went down to 10 men, everyone had to do extra work and they dug in and really controlled the game well,” he said.