Port Adelaide Pirates snatched a 1-0 away win against Salisbury United in the NPL State League’s top of the table clash in Round 25 at Steve Jarvis Park.

The narrow win takes Pirates above Salisbury in the standings by one point, with five rounds remaining.

Third-placed Adelaide Olympic are eight points off the pace after winning 3-0 against Northern Demons.

James Skeffington scored the only goal of the game in the first half to give Pirates the three points.

Goalscorer Skeffington said the team were well prepared for the game.

“We hadn’t been performing at our best the previous month, but we felt like it was just around the corner and although we only scored one goal, I think it was a great all round performance,” Skeffington said.

“We just have to keep our focus on each game one at a time and we have to match our work rate from Friday night’s game for our four remaining games.

“If we train and prepare right for each game like we did for the past game, I believe that will go a long way in securing promotion.”

Pirates will travel to Karingal Reserve to take on Seaford Rangers in Round 26.

Skeffington said the match would be a great opportunity to back up the Salisbury win.

“We know that at this stage of the season, we are going to have to be at our best to beat any team, Seaford being no different,” he said.

“We have met them twice already this year and we know exactly what to get from them; they are well coached and work hard.”

The loss ended Salisbury’s 13-game unbeaten streak, which began after their first match-up with Pirates in Round 10.

Salisbury goalkeeper Hugh Cardle said coach Rocky Aloisi has a game plan for the remaining matches.

“They scored and we didn’t, that’s just how it goes,” Cardle said.

“We’ll just stay focused on our game plan and keep going on the same track.

“Obviously now we’re relying on Port Adelaide to drop points, but all we can do is concentrate on ourselves and winning our games.”

Cardle said it was important for Salisbury to treat their trip to Gawler in Round 26 with the same importance as every other game.

“We aim to play nice football and come away with results, whether it’s against Gawler or Port Adelaide, it should all be the same for us,” Cardle said.