Both Cringila and South Coast United pulled off shock upsets against Illawarra powerhouses, while Fernhill have lost six of their last seven since an impressive 1-nil win over Bulli back in April.

But Tilt is adamant the Foxes can be a contender for September action with some added cunning inside the 18-yard box.

Fernhill has just 10 goals in 12 games this year, the lowest of any team in the competition.

"We just need a bit more composure," Tilt said.

"It's been a focus for us, finding the right pass at the right time, instead of trying to force a shot at the wrong time. We haven't got a big squad, so it's put demands on our younger players who have coped with a lot of game time, but we're improving.

"I think we can still make a run in the second half of the season and with a bit of luck we will be there with those teams pushing for finals."

Tilt is preparing for Saturday's crucial showdown with South Coast United, who breathed new life into their campaign with a stunning 3-2 win over Tarrawanna.

It moved them to five points, with Cringila and Fernhill locked on eight points.

Cringila have launched their own remarkable revival, having secured seven of the last nine points available since Stuart Beedie has come on board, including a gritty 2-nil win over league leaders Wollongong Olympic.

While it has raised the stakes for Fernhill, Tilt is excited about the challenge.

"It's great for the league," he said.

"Both Cringila and South Coast showed everyone is capable of winning on their day and I think we've shown we can match with anyone, we've just got to take our chances.

"South Coast are really difficult to break down, that's the challenge for us."

Elsewhere, Wollongong United face a double-header which could define their title hopes, with the Coniston game was deferred to Tuesday, after playing Albion Park on Saturday.

IPL champions Bulli remain standing in the Bert Bampton Cup after ending District League club Bellambi's run with a 2-1 win on Wednesday.

Defending Bampton Cup titleholders Wollongong Olympic, overpowered Corrimal 2-nil, while Tarrawanna beat Coniston 3-nil and Port Kembla defeated Woonona 2-nil to advance to the semi-finals.

Round 13

Saturday (2.30pm)

BULLI v WOONONA at Balls Paddock, WOLLONGONG UNITED v ALBION PARK at Macedonia Park, WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC v CONISTON at North Wollongong PCYC, FERNHILL v SOUTH COAST UNITED at Ray Robinson Field, TARRAWANNA v CRINGILA at Tarrawanna Oval.

Sunday (2.30pm)

PORT KEMBLA v CORRIMAL at Wetherall Park