WOONONA Sharks took a huge step toward promotion to next year's Illawarra Premier League competition with a strong 3-1 away win against Balgownie Rangers in the first leg of the District League play-offs at Judy Masters Oval on Wednesday night.

With a little bit of luck Balgownie could have kept the scores closer.

However, the Sharks took the game away from the home side with good build up and quality finishing, also goalkeeper Adam Herron produced some stunning saves including keeping out a penalty.

Woonona scored first when a cross from Shane Risby was headed down by Matt Radnidge towards striker John Chapman who made no mistake from five metres in the 11th minute.

Soon after, a cracking shot from Chapman's strike partner Cameron Banks just missed the upright.

The Rangers had a great chance late in the first half when a Travis Faulks header was just wide of the mark and Woonona led 1-0 at the break.

The first 20 minutes of the second half is where the Sharks took a stranglehold on this game with Banks setting up a goal for Mark Porter, then Banks scored off a through ball by Chapman to make it 3-0.

Bally then began to take control and Sharks 'keeper Herron was put under a lot of pressure and called on to make some telling saves.

The best was when he he saved a penalty shot by Bally's Daniel Lewis in the 79th minute after Sharks defender Neil Ryan brought down Jeff North in the box.

Bally deservedly scored in the next minute with a fine shot from the edge of the box by Jerremy Winner.

"Credit must go to referee Alex Glasgow who kept the game flowing from start to finish and did an exceptional job," Illawarra Football Association director Paul Mahanidis said.

"The second leg is on Sunday at Ocean Park, Woonona, with a 2.30pm kickoff.

"With the away goals rule in place it will be a real test for visitors Balgownie to pull this one off.