The Lions led 2-1 when McKnight was called upon after Young conceded a penalty about 15 minutes before full-time.

"Matt's [McKnight] one of the best in the competition. He guessed the right way, he's worth a few extra points between the posts," Lions coach Mark Mellish said.

The Lions went ahead at Rawlings Park courtesy of a headed goal by Pat Hislop after about 10 minutes.

The lead was doubled soon after when Craig Slater pounced on a spilled ball close to goal. Hosts Tolland hit back before halftime to reduce the margin to 2-1.

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Mellish said the plan in the second-half was to reduce Tolland's chances in front of goal and increase the lead.

While Young wasn't able to convert opportunities, they did prevent Tolland from equalising, largely thanks to McKnight's save inside the final quarter of the match.

"I'm extremely happy with the opening 20 minutes. We had a plan to nullify their chances and kick ahead in the second half, we were able to prevent them," he said.

The result was an important one for the Lions who are facing a string of difficult games.

Mellish said the Lions will place an emphasis on games in over coming weeks in hope of climbing further up the Pascoe Cup ladder. Each side has now played each other with the second round kicking off this weekend.

"It's the start of a really big run of games for us. We face some difficult games in a row," he said.

"Realistically any team can beat anyone on their day. Obviously Hanwood FC is the standout they're unbeaten.

"The games we've lost, I don't want to say we've deserved to lose, but if you don't turn up it's a pretty even competition.

"We were beaten by Tumut the other week but we've beaten Lake Albert and drew with Hanwood FC.

"We have a plan for each team and we have to really stick it to the higher placed sides and put the lower sides to the sword."

The Lions first grade side will play Henwood Park this weekend.

The result against Tolland capped a successful weekend for the Young Lions, with each grade triumphing over their respective rivals. Fourth grade proved too good for Wagga United winning 2-1, third grade thumped South Wagga 7-0 and the ladies scored twice to best Wagga United 2-0.

In other Pascoe Cup games across weekend: