A double strike by ladder leaders South Melbourne in the first half was too much for Hume City to recover from, as it fell to a 2-1 loss in the NPL on Saturday night.
With Souths looking to consolidate top spot it was always going to be a tough contest for Hume, but it was not without its chances early as Theodore Markelis and Jayden Prasad both had good scoring chances in the opening 20 minutes, and goalkeeper Michael Weier made a diving save at the other end.
The visiting South Melbourne opened the scoring in the 25th minute after a penalty was awarded against Hayden Tennant, and doubled its advantage ten minutes later to take a stranglehold on the game.
A late chance just before half-time was cleared by the Souths defence and they took a two goal lead into half-time.
After the break the home side wasted little time in clawing its way back into the game as Prasad scored just four minutes after the resumption to give the home side a sniff.
Hume City controlled much of the play in the second half, but despite some good looks at goal by Atilla Ofli and Liam Boland was unable to find the equaliser.
Three corners in stoppage time gave Hume City its best chances, but on a windy night it was hard to control the set play and Souths held on for the win.
Hume City sit eighth on the table, with the chance to move up when it takes on seventh-placed Oakleigh on Friday night.
In NPL2 West action, Whittlesea Ranges scored an upset 2-0 win over second-placed Moreland Zebras.
A brace to Jacob Colosimo proved the difference in the contest as they handed the Zebras just their fourth loss of the season, and kept the Ranges ahead of Melbourne Victory on the ladder.
Colosimo opened the scoring after 15 minutes, and doubled the lead 15 minutes into the second half, while some strong defence all day meant a clean sheet for the visiting Ranges.
Whittlesea will look to complete the Moreland double when it faces third placed Moreland City this Saturday.
