IT was a bittersweet victory for Tweed Valley Kings’ premier team who defeated Nerang 2-1 at Reg Dalton Oval on Saturday.

The victory came at a cost with the Kings’ star forward Armi Ghooti being carted off 15 minutes before halftime with a horrific season-ending leg injury.

Kings coach Craig Madden said Ghooti broke his fibula and tibia bones and was undergoing surgery at Tweed Heads Hospital yesterday.

“It’s a big loss because he was a key player, and one of our best players all year,” Madden said.

“He is going to be missed with four games to go before semis.

“But we have to keep positive and have a big end to the season to make the semis.”

The Kings were one step closer to securing a top four finish after the round 18 triumph over a plucky Nerang.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game, with the injury interruption we couldn’t get a flow,” Madden said.

Beau Hayes replaced Ghooti after the long injury break and was the first to put the ball in the net just before halftime to establish a 1-0 advantage.

Kings sustained the pressure in the second half and Luke Morley was able to score the Kings’ second to go 2-0 ahead and seal the game.

To Nerang’s credit, the boys kept coming at Tweed Valley and the visitors were able to string a play together to make it one goal difference 2-1.

The win gave the Kings a bit of breathing space after Palm Beach, who was also vying for fourth spot on the Gold Coast Soccer ladder, went down to Merrimac 1-0.

It’s a piece of good news for the Kings who will need every chance they get to make the semis after Ghooti’s injury.

“He was always dangerous up front,” Madden said.

Madden said Tweed Valley could make the finals if the team played at its best.

“There are still four games left and we have to be consistent week to week.”

This weekend the Tweed Valley Kings will be heading to Viney Park for an away game against Coomera on Saturday.