The Goulburn Valley’s two Australia Cup representatives have bowed out in heartbreaking fashion.
Tatura and Shepparton South were knocked out in the second round of qualifying at the weekend in a disappointing result for soccer in the region.
On Saturday, Tatura travelled to Thomastown to take on Diamond Valley United, with the State League Three outfit proving to strong for the Ibises.
United found a goal early, scoring in the 26th minute, leaving Tatura chasing the game from the get-go.
The visitors had plenty of time to equalise, however, another United goal in the 87th minute put the game to bed.
This result is particularly disappointing for Tatura, which had its first qualifying round game called off due to East Bentleigh Strikers forfeiting.
Tatura coach Tristian Zito said it was ultimately fitness levels that let the side down.
“We were in it the whole game, we did not take our chances,” Zito said.
Zito said his side probably had five one-on-one chances, but it “was not meant to be’’.
Tatura ended the game pushing hard for an equaliser, resulting in conceding a second goal.
“In a cup game you may as well lose three or four-nil than one,” he said.
New centre back signing Christian Corso put on a good performance and Zito said his side would look to ramp up its pre-season preparation in the next few weeks.
In contrast to Tatura, Shepparton South’s game against South Yarra went down to the wire.
With a score of 0-0 at half-time, full-time and at the end of extra-time, the two Souths could only be separated by a penalty shoot-out.
Even the shoot-out win was not convincing, with the State-League Three South Yarra side running out a 5-4 winner.
The losses are disappointing for Goulburn Valley soccer, however, the region’s chance at silverware is not over yet.
The Goulburn Valley Suns are still yet to enter the competition, with NPL clubs entering later than lower division teams.