It was a difficult weekend of results for the Goulburn Valley’s Central Victorian League sides.
With finals action kicking off, four teams took to the field across the senior divisions, with each suffering defeat.
In the League One men’s competition, Shepparton United suffered a heartbreaking loss to Spring Gully, falling 2-1 at Bendigo’s Stanley Avenue.
A close contest throughout, United hit the front thanks to a 61st minute Lee Blackburn strike, however, six minutes later an equaliser was scored.
Then with 88 minutes on the clock, Gully hit the front, with the side doing enough to hold on for the narrow win.
The result ends United’s season, however, with Shepparton South and Tatura already in the next round, there’s still a chance the trophy will come to the Goulburn Valley.
In the League Two men’s competition, Shepparton Jaguars also suffered defeat, falling to Swan Hill 4-2 at Moama.
A quick start to the Swans had the Jaguars on the back foot early, with goals to Abel Reuben and Dinovic Kasongo mere consolation for the Shepparton side.
Yet, despite the defeat, the Jaguars live to fight another day, with the team now pencilled in for a preliminary final showdown with Deniliquin.
Like the Jaguars, Shepparton United’s League One women’s side will have a second chance this weekend, with Lucy Ciancio’s team falling to Strathfieldsaye Colts 7-1 away from home.
At half-time, the scores were tied thanks to a Tara Ambrosini goal, however, a second-half onslaught had the home side runaway with the win.
It was a similar situation in the League Two women’s competition, with Tatura falling to Kyneton District 3-0 at Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve.
A disappointing result for the league champions, the Ibises will get another opportunity at a grand final place this weekend, with the side’s ladder position securing a second chance.