The local club hosted the first leg of its semi-final series – and was unlucky not to celebrate the occasion with a victory.

However, missed opportunities in front of goal and some questionable refereeing decisions which upset the home crowd, cost them dearly against the minor premiers.

That frustration also led to Jesse Legge being red-carded midway through the second half, leaving the Eagles with just 10 men on the park.

Muswellbrook began the showdown in convincing fashion, dominating possession for much of the first period.

But, against the run of play, Westlakes grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute.

While most pundits thought the visitors would go on with the job, after accounting for the Eagles twice in 2016 – including a 6-1 thrashing, the Muswellbrook players dug their heels in.

They refused to surrender and, even down a player, the hosts looked the most likely to score.

Unfortunately, that didn’t eventuate.

Now, the Eagles face Westlakes away in the second leg this weekend, needing a win to keep their campaign alive.