THE CSU Stags have some unfinished business in the Bathurst District Football Association men’s first grade competition.

While being the dominant side during the regular rounds in recent seasons, they haven’t been able to finish the job when it has counted in the finals.

But based on their form in five games to date, they are a chance of rectifying that in 2015. The threat CSU pose was highlighted with an impressive 2-0 win over Abercrombie FC on Sunday at Proctor Park.

Going into the match undefeated with three wins and a draw, the Stags were always going to be hard to beat. 

However, Abercrombie have not been pushovers themselves so far, winning one and drawing one of their three games prior.

In a tight first half the rivals were evenly matched as Abercrombie did not allow the speedy CSU team much freedom in attack.

Finally in the second half things started to turn for the Stags and it was a familiar face who got them moving in the right direction.

Former Western NSW Mariners FC striker Chris New-Tolley thundered a shot past the opposition goalkeeper from well beyond the 18-yard box and gave him next to no chance of stopping it.

It sparked his team-mates into action and for the next 15 minutes they dominated possession and territory, scoring their second through Josh Brown.

New-Tolley nearly had a double after he smashed another missile from long range, but his aim was a little too straight and the  ball cannoned straight into the Abercrombie goalkeeper.

Abercrombie didn’t give things away and continued to try and create scoring opportunities, but by and large they weren’t able to complete their last passes and the Stags defence held firm.

CSU came away with a well-deserved win to make it four from five and keep top spot on the ladder.

“We’re moving along pretty well at the moment, we always have issues with the holidays but that’s something we’ve learned to deal with and I think we have a very good team this year,” new CSU coach Brett Russell said.

“I’d say about two-thirds of the team from last year have carried over into this season, so there is a lot of talent there and so far it looks like the combination is working if the first five games are anything to go by.

“The goal, as always, is to make the semis and do well there, we obviously have to succeed where we’ve stumbled in the last few years.

“We have the players, I have no doubt about that, but getting the performances when they count is what has to change and hopefully that will happen this year.”

Russell praised his opposition for the contest they provided, particularly in the first half, but pointed to the likes of New-Tolley, current Mariners player John Henry and goalkeeper Pat Hogan as providing the difference between the two teams.

CSU STAGS 2 (Chris New-Tolley, Josh Brown) defeated ABERCROMBIE FC 0