After dropping a home double-header against second-placed Central earlier in the campaign, the Spitfires were gallant, but were eventually beaten 2-0.

Spitfires co-coach Tony Donnolley couldn't fault the effort, but knows they need to start firing in attack.

"We can't buy a goal at the moment," Donnolley said.

"We had a few chances, but only one penalty corner.

"They got two very average goals.

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"It was a close game and the boys played well, but the lack of results from our attacking plays is killing us."

Nearest rivals Old Canberrans were beaten 4-0 by Goulburn, so the Spitfires only remain two points outside the top-four.

Leaders Wests scored a 2-1 win against United, while ANU upstaged St Patrick's 4-2 on Friday night.

The men's ladder after round 12 is: Wests 30, Central 28, Goulburn 24, Old Canberrans 18, Albury-Wodonga 16, United 10, St Patrick's 7, ANU 7.

The Spitfires women's side had the bye.