Any remaining hope of finishing a torrid season on a positive note were shattered by Brunswick City on Saturday, who delivered Goulburn Valley Suns a crushing 4-2 defeat at McEwen Reserve in the final round of the NPL2 season.
With an ongoing injury crisis still to deal with, Suns coach Lee Blackburn called upon a handful of impressive youngsters on Saturday, with Callum Horsman, Declan Kinnane and Caleb Enders, to name a few, receiving precious first XI game time.
It was the men in orange that had more of a say early in the piece, with Ryan Brooks converting from the spot after his side was awarded a penalty in the 16th minute.
City’s Jesse Makarounas pulled his side level in the 31st minute and was at the double not long after, firing home from the spot as half-time neared.
Brunswick kept its foot on the accelerator in the second half, with Kobe Timms and Ikuma Osaka finding the net to put their side four 4-1 up just past the hour mark.
Shogo Osawa pulled one back in the 82nd minute, but it was merely consolation.
The Suns’ 18th defeat this year closes the curtain on the worst season in the club’s history.
But a ray of sunshine still remains.
The Suns will play for NPL2 survival on Saturday, August 27, in a showdown with Western United Reserves, who finished their NPL3 season in third, and will play for a shot at promotion.
The two sides will meet at Broadmeadows’ Valley Park Events Centre, with kick off at 2pm.