First-half goals to Misko Naumoski and Taylor Beaton were enough for the Blue Devils to make it nine points from a possible 12 in the past month. The Blue Devils remain in a tie for fourth and seven points adrift of ladder leaders Canberra Olympic.

While they fell short of the class of Olympic last week, Blue Devils coach Lou Gaspari knows his side has the potential to step up a gear as the season progresses.

''I think we're in the mix, but there's a lot of room for improvement for our team,'' Gaspari said.

''It showed us today that when we do turn up, we can beat the top teams like Cooma, Canberra FC, and hopefully next time we meet Olympic, we can give them a bit of a go.''

After a dull opening 20 minutes, Naumoski brought the crowd to life with a stunning 30-metre strike, swerving the ball from the right-hand side into the top-left corner to the bemusement of Tigers keeper Francois Bangweni.

The second wasn't as spectacular but just as effective - Beaton shooting from close range after a neat cut-back from Zach Maybury to double the advantage just after the half-hour mark.

The Blue Devils had the better of the opportunities in the second half, but couldn't convert despite nullifying the impact of Tigers strikers Robbie Cattanach and Stephen Domenici.

The Tigers lacked the attacking spark which was so prominent on the way to them winning last year's grand final.

Constant changes in the line-up haven't helped the cause of the third-placed Tigers, according to coach Gaby Wilk.

''The difference from last season is we've had a lot of players injured and they're only just coming back,'' Wilk said.

''Of course, right now we're not at the same level as Olympic, Canberra FC and Belconnen, but we'll keep training and working on things.''

Woden Valley kept pace with the top four courtesy of a goal in stoppage time from substitute Mitch Steenbergen.

Steenbergen's 92nd minute strike delivered a 2-1 win against Tuggeranong United at Woden Park and moved Woden Valley level with the Blue Devils on 12 points.

Meanwhile, the AIS recorded their second victory in as many weeks with a 3-1 triumph against the Monaro Panthers.