Shepparton United has failed to register a win in the competition, the latest result an upset 3-0 defeat to a revamped Moama-Echuca Border Raiders at Jack Eddy Oval on Sunday.
While the gulf in class was evident between the two sides last year, vital departures at the back for United has hampered its solidarity in defence and resulted in the side being punished against an updated Border Raiders strike force.
The Blues were slow out of the gates and were put away, with Cooper Arkinstall and Ryan Perry capitalising on Uniteds lack of vigour, grabbing a goal each.
United coach Roven Shaholli was disappointed on how the side began the game.
‘‘It was obviously hard going 2-0 down early, it changed the game structure,’’ Shaholli said.
‘‘I think the first half was one-sided, but I think we controlled the game in the second half.’’
The game was put out of reach in the 72nd minute when Arkinstall notched another goal to bag his brace and send United back to Shepparton blue in the face.
Shaholli felt his side’s preparation for the game was not up to scratch and led to openings for the opposition.
‘‘It was very disappointing, there was a lot of frustration throughout the game,’’ Shaholli said.
‘‘We had about four or five players out, but there are no excuses for the result.
‘‘All respect goes to Echuca, they are looking strong this year.’’
The Blues find themselves on a single point after three games and will look to turn their season around this weekend at home against Epsom.
‘‘I think we looked pretty well organised in pre-season, but we haven’t started the season the way we wanted to,’’ he said.
‘‘Some of the boys’ heads weren’t there, I think a few of them took the game lightly.
‘‘There will definitely be changes next week, we will bring in players who want to play.’’
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