They're a team held together by staples, but Tigers FC's win over Belconnen United has breathed life into their Championship Series campaign.
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An under-strength Cooma beat Belconnen 2-1 at Deakin Stadium on Saturday, setting up a do-or-die clash with Gungahlin United next week.
But the victory was marred by an injury to Nathen Megic, who limped off the field in the 11th minute after hearing something pop.
It's a massive blow for Ryan Grogan's side, having had eight first-grade players unavailable due to injury and suspension.
The Tigers mentor was proud of his team's performance, which brought an end to a three-match losing streak.
"It's been challenging but I couldn't be more proud. Regardless of who we've got on the park, they go out there and fight," Grogan said.
"It's been a few weeks since we tasted success, so it's a good feeling.
"The game itself was a good contest. It was pretty direct from both sides, it wasn't beautiful football but you need to play that way sometimes to get the result.
"It's good that we're in for a crack next week. I love playing against Gungahlin and Muzza [Marical Munoz]. We'll put a plan together for next week, go out there and competitive."
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Belconnen held composure and had the majority of early chances, the first of which came just minutes after Leon Michl was introduced for Max Mellick.
Michl sent a perfectly weighted ball into the box for star striker Luca Florez, but his header landed on top of the net.
Tigers flaunted a chance of their own in the 33rd minute when Mark Shields had a full frame to target, but sent a through-ball for Sam Whithear who's angle was too tight to manoeuvre.
Cooma absorbed the Blue Devils' sustained pressure through to the 60th minute, when the patience paid off and Michael Kita intercepted a Philippe Borgeaud pass to put them ahead.
The match decider came shortly after when Tigers' Goran Josifovski struck the ball on-target from the far corner.
It should have been an easy punch-out for goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell, but it soared over his hands for Alex Oloriegbe to tap in.
Meanwhile, Canberra Croatia secured their spot in the championship decider with a 5-nil thrashing of Gungahlin.
It means Tigers, Belconnen and Gungahlin all need to win their last remaining match for a chance to meet Croatia on September 26.
AT A GLANCE
Canberra NPL Championship Series: Tigers FC 2 (Kita 61' Oloriegbe 75') bt Belconnen United 1 (Macor 69'), Canberra Croatia 5 bt Gungahlin United 0
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
