Cessnock captain-coach Harry Siejka said the Goannas remained a "work in progress" but Thursday night's derby win over Coalfields rivals Kurri Kurri was still "pleasing".
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The hosts beat the Bulldogs 20-6 at Cessnock Sportsground.
"We made it hard on ourselves and we can't seem to find the polish at the end of sets, but it was a tough effort," Siejka said.
"The first four weeks I don't think we've been at our best, and we've had quite an unsettled spine, but we've still managed to find wins."
The Goannas conceded first before scoring 20 unanswered points. They led 8-6 at half-time.
Siejka, who missed the game through injury, felt Sam Mataora, Sione Ngahe and Pita Godinet all made an impact off Cessnock's bench while 17-year-old local junior Caleb Garvie was impressive on debut.
Kurri coach Aaron Watts said he "couldn't fault" the Bulldogs' effort but, on the back of a four-day turnaround, losing both Harry Duggan (shoulder) and Tim Bridge (hamstring) in the opening half hour "didn't help our cause".
Saturday sees Lakes host undefeated leaders Maitland at Cahill Oval.
LADDER: Maitland, Cessnock 6; Wyong 4; Souths, Kurri, Macquarie, Lakes, Entrance 2; Central, Wests 0.