An undermanned Whittlesea United managed to keep Essendon United at bay for 17 minutes in FFV State League 3 north west on Saturday.
Sadly for Whittlesea, it conceded a goal in the 18th minute of being three players down – and it came in the 91st minute of the match.
It was enough to give Essendon United the 1-0 win at Aberfeldie Park.
Whittlesea coach Sam Matheas said his side should have come away with at least one point.
“We were the better team for the first half before we had the three players sent off,’’ Matheas said. “One of them was soft and due
to two yellow cards, while the other two were very disappointing.
“The last one was in the 73rd minute, so to concede a goal in injury time was devastating. It should have been a draw.”
Ugur Yildiz, Selim Karanfil and Tom Seaton were the three players to receive red cards for Whittlesea.
Matheas said Whittlesea (ninth, 5-2-9) had enjoyed a reasonable month before the performance against Essendon United.
“We have a very young squad and have been up and down all year. We have a lot of young kids and are focusing on the future.’’
Whittlesea has a bye this weekend after its scheduled opponent, Northern Roosters, withdrew from the competition following an investigation into alleged falsification of player ages.
Whittlesea will instead play a friendly against the under-21 team of National Premier League 1 side Richmond.
The league last week announced results from the Roosters’ first 11 games would stand. All results after that are being treated as a bye. Lalor United and Western Eagles have lost points, having defeated and drawn with the Roosters, respectively, after round 11.
“Everyone is shocked and disappointed they have folded,’’ Matheas said. ‘‘I know the Roosters coach Michael Loche very well and he’s shattered.”
In other State League 3 results, Lalor United lost to Old Carey, 4-1. In State League 2 north west, Sporting Whittlesea defeated Hume United 4-1.
Upfield recorded a 3-1 win over Heidelberg Eagles in State League 4 north. Other winners were Bundoora United, West Preston and Watsonia Heights.
