But by hearing the eruption from Northcote City when Dennis Menelaou’s header hit the back of the net, attendees were served some semblance of the defensive repute the Suns have formed in 2021.
The late goal was all that separated the two sides on Saturday evening, with City’s stubborn desire in defence enough to hold on for a 1-0 victory.
“It wasn’t our best performance with the ball and we turned it over too cheaply for my liking, but I felt we deserved something from the game,” Suns coach Craig Carley said.
“We had the better chances and Zac (McLeod) had little to do in goals.
“I was really impressed with our defensive shape and set up and really felt comfortable up until the late goal.”
Opportunity went the way of the Orangemen early.
Shane Dunne was gifted a gilt-edged chance in the first half, with former Sun Phil Petrovski in Northcote’s net rolling the ball straight into the midfielder’s path.
Dunne couldn’t convert, however, blazing the ball high and handsome over the crossbar.
Another chance fell to the Suns before the break, with Vani Shamoon afforded a pocket of space inside the box thanks to some sharp footwork.
Northcote was alert, however, throwing bodies in front of the eventual shot to keep the scores locked.
Following the interval, the second half was held in the balance until the 80th minute.
A dubious decision had a corner awarded to Northcote and, unfortunately for the host, Menelaou rose highest to send City ahead.
A late red card to Fraser Gosstray further soured the evening, with Carley voicing his discontent for the circumstances surrounding the decisive goal.
“I was disappointed with some of the referee’s decisions,” he said.
“The decision for the corner was shocking — the ball didn’t go out and even if it did it came off their player.
“I don’t want to be one to complain, but between them, in games with small margins, key calls went against us.”
Saturday’s loss drops the Suns down to fourth, but two points are all that distances the side from Brunswick City in top spot.
Earlier, Marcus Thomas’ purple streak continued as his strike secured a point for the under-19s.
Lastly, goals to Ben Smith and Zac Ferlauto had the under-21s come close, but Northcote ran way with the game 4-2.
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