South Coast United took a massive step towards securing a finals berth in a 3-1 victory over top-five contenders Tarrawanna on Sunday.

Andrew Paine's second half brace from the penalty spot and a 90th minute third from Ricky Bertakis secured the hosts a valuable three points at Ian McLennan Park.

It sees United jump Port Kembla into fourth on the competition ladder and gives them a five-point advantage on sixth-placed Albion Park White Eagles with three matches remaining.

"It opens it up a little bit now so we have a bit of a gap. If we keep our heads we should be in the top-five," coach Alan Paine said.

Andrew Paine opened the scoring in the 74th minute from the penalty spot after David Stojic was brought down.

Ten minutes later, the Blueys again gave away a penalty which Paine duly converted before Bertakis scored the goal of the match with a fine strike.

But the substitute soon turned from hero to villain when he was handed his marching orders.

Tor Preece got a goal back at the death for the visitors.

In Sunday's other game, Dapto Dandaloo Fury took the three points from Cringila Lions in a 2-1 win.