Hume United has let slip the opportunity to cement its spot in the top two in FFV state league 2 north-west.
United, which entered the round in second spot, had the chance to put some space between itself and the chasing teams.
Instead, United put in one of its worse performances of the year in losing 4-0 to third-placed Brimbank Stallions.
The result means United slips to fourth, with goal difference between second and third.
Speaking before the match, United secretary Mutlu Oztas said the club had been hopeful of putting the gap on the other sides.
“There hasn’t been much difference between us and the top side,” he said.
“We’re happy with how our season has been going.”
Oztas said an added professionalism had helped take the side to the next level.
First year coach Zeljko Popovic is leading the way.
“A lot of the newcomers have been in professionalism sides before moving to other environments,” Oztas said.
United is focusing on being more attacking.
While it has one of the best defences in the competition, United has struggled to put generate scoreboard pressure.
“When we compare to other teams, we’re not scoring as much,” Oztas said.
“We’re comfortable defensively in our minds, so we shouldn’t be holding back as much. We’ll start to be more attacking.”
Oztas said the club was were hopeful two new additions added in the transfer window would also help.
Kyung Min Shin and Soner Kulboth made their debuts on Saturday. Both come from playing in state league 1.
In other results, ladder leader Whittlesea United had a 1-1 draw with Geelong Rangers, while Mill Park had a 1-1 draw with Diamond Valley United.
