In what was a 19-hour day for the Southerners, a 4-2 away loss at the hands of Mildura City in sweltering heat signalled its exit from the competition in qualifying round one.
Goals to Joel Aitken and Brendan Barton weren’t enough to get a South side lacking senior faces a result.
Coach Rob Harmeston remained buoyant despite the loss.
“We started well by taking the lead, but it was mad 15-20 minutes where we conceded four in the first half,” Harmeston said.
“(We managed to) turn it around in the second half and were actually unlucky not to score more.
“With senior players absent too, I’m not too disappointed overall. I think it was 15 first-half minutes that killed us.
“I think we stepped up as a team second half, winning the half and unlucky with a number of chances to claw back into the game.”
Aitken kicked things off with a classy finish on the half volley, giving South the early advantage.
But Mildura’s 15-minute purple patch flipped the game on its head, seeing the Southerners concede four consecutive goals before the half.
Barton’s thunderous drive on goal gave the travellers some hope in the second stanza, but the damage was all but done as the hosts held on to progress.
Rather than mulling over the result, Harmeston instead looked towards building for the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League season.
“Player-wise we have taken a hit losing seven from last year and bringing old faces back has helped us,” he said.
“I think it is about building fitness levels and getting used to playing together, starting 11 available each game — we haven’t been able to pick the same players twice in our first three games.”
● As one door closes, another opens with Tatura entering the cup after the weekend's bye.
After drawing Deakin University Ducks yesterday, the Ibises will be plugging Geelong into the GPS for Saturday’s fixture with the State League Five outfit.
Meanwhile, Moama-Echuca Border Raiders will have their first test following a forfeit win at the weekend when it hosts Barnstoneworth United at Jack Eddy Oval.
More local sport
Tat Chat - Hill Top golf
Haisman Shield | ‘Pretty satisfying': Numurkah captain pleased after round 11 win
Cricket | B-grade round 11 wrap
GVL and Ovens and Murray Football Netball League postpone interleague clash to allow for greater fixture flexibility
14°C