The Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club seniors gave their all in the weekend's BDSA Division 2 grand final against Buninyong, but it wasn't quite enough to get over the line in extra time.
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The teams were locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes of full time, but Daylesford could not hold the flow of goals in the extra time going down 4-2.
Daylesford had more possessions in the first half and created some chances with the strong wind.
The United side welcomed the return of king-pin Zoran Drogriski, who scored the second goal to get Daylesford into extra time, against all odds.
But it was Buninyong who scored the first goal against the run of play, when Jonah smashed in a goal at the near post after breaking free down the wing. Daylesford soon answered with goal from Hiroshi Masuda, with a well hit half volley into the back of the net.
Hiroshi was best on ground until he was badly injured in a tackle in the second half.
The extra ball skills of Drogriski, combined with great games from Dragi Koleski, Tim Leney, Tiger Callahan and Francis Comber all helped Daylesford over the line.
Jeff Brownscombe and Andrew Barnham did well once they got on later in the game.
But it was again the pace of Buninyong star Jonah who put Daylesford to bed, with two goals in extra time from pacey runs and out gunning the older Daylesford defense.
Daylesford never gave up, with extra time chances to Dragi Koleski, who was superb all day and Harry Robb and Jordy Barnes, who both battled hard to win and showed true character and grit.
But the luck did not go Daylesford's way, with chances going narrowly wide or into the keeper’s reach. Buninyong was again clinical and proved why they were league champions.
Ben Hutchins was everywhere for Buninyong and proved his worth, along with an organised defense, made life hard for Daylesford.
The game could have gone either way in the first 90 minutes. Josh Smith did well in goals and played a hard game, taking some screamers and excellent clearances.
Gonzalo Silva was again brilliant in all positions and gave everything to get the team over the line. Captain Ivan Carter had a useful 90 minutes, but faded in extra time.
But the end of extra time, it was Buninyong who were celebrated and Daylesford was reminded of a second grand final defeat in two years.
Score: Buninyong 4, Daylesford 2.
Best: Hiroshi Masuda, Dragi Koleski, Gonzalo Silva, Zoran Drogriski, Tiger Callahan, Francis Comber.