It means the Gardners, who parted ways with National Premier League club the Wanderers earlier this month, are unable to play anywhere for the rest of the season after the June 30 registration deadline expired.

It is understood a difference of opinion regarding registrations meant an agreement couldn't be reached by both parties.

Wagga United coach Travis Weir said he's still confident his fourth-placed team can compete for silverware after grinding out a 1-0 win over Leeton United at Rawlings Park on Sunday.

A booming strike from Tyler Allen ten yards outside the box just before half-time was enough to secure the three points.

"My understanding is they (Gardners) weren't released in time and we had a deadline we just couldn't achieve," Weir said.

"The boys were pretty upset about it because they wanted to play and put in, but I've always been happy with my playing group.

"If we play like we did today and pick a similar team week in week out we'll see the results.

"We spoke about playing for the badge and for each other because it wasn't there at the start of the season, but there was plenty of heart in that today."

Allen, who injured his quad early in the second half but played out the match, shifted from up front to left back with great effect.

Fellow Crows back Lincoln Weir also battled on despite dislocating his shoulder for a second time, but Chris Walker was a first half casualty with a similar injury.

"It (quad) is sore but we got the job done," Allen said.

"I usually play up front so it's very different to what I'm used to but I said to Trav I'll do what you want, you're the coach."

Weir said Allen's shift to defence will remain, at least until Cam Ferrie returns.

"He understands his role and why he's back there with Linc," Weir said.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy. They're a good side and we had plenty of chances at the end, but their goalkeeper made some outstanding saves."

In other games a well-taken finish by Jamie Rankin with five minutes left secured Lake Albert a 1-0 win over Young, Henwood Park ended Hanwood's unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory at Griffith, Tumut held off Cootamundra 2-1 and Tolland-South Wagga will be replayed after poor weather forced the match to be abandoned.

"It's a massive three points. We're aiming for the top three and keeping that gap between us and Wagga United," Lake Albert coach Mitch Tinnock said.

SCORES: HENWOOD PARK 1 (Ryan McKenzie) def HANWOOD 0; LAKE ALBERT 1 (Jamie Rankin) def YOUNG 0; WAGGA UNITED 1 (Tyler Allen) def LEETON UNITED 0; TUMUT 2 (Mitchell Henman, Dylan Piper-Bye) def COOTAMUNDRA 1 (Scott Endacott); TOLLAND v SOUTH WAGGA abandoned due to poor weather, match to be replayed.

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