City led 1-0 and 2-1 during the opening half of the National Premier League two west clash with Langwarrin, but ultimately went down 4-3.

Gnjidic felt it was game his side could have claimed the three points, but certainly felt one point would’ve been sufficient, but it was an empty-handed City side that piled into the bus ride home.

Liam Harding finished a good passage of play for City’s first before a Langwarrin penalty saw it equalise.

Michael Trigger then finished from beyond halfway, delivering one of his characteristic long goals over the keeper’s head to once again give Ballarat the lead.

Although two late goals in the first half, via a set piece and loose defending, saw City trail at the main change, despite what it felt was a strong first half.

Trigger made it 3-3 early in the second half, but with less than 10 minutes to play, the home side again found a way through the City defense, scoring what would prove to be the matchwinner.

Gnjidic said it was a hollow feeling to not take away any points, but said its defensive structures were “loose” against a side that had only scored one goal in the past three weeks.

“Another positive performance in so many ways and one that got away. It was a game we should’ve got something out of,” Gnjidic said.

“To go home empty-handed off a performance like that was a bit of a shame.

“We were as loose defensively, as a unit, as we have been all year.

“That was something we tried to remedy in the second half.”

City’s two recruits through the mid-season transfer window showed positive signs. 

Kazudi Okada started and payed the opening hour before coming off after copping a heavy knock in a tackle, he is expected to be right for next week.

While Abel Fasseha came on with 10 minutes to go and looked dangerous but could not find a breakthrough.

But the biggest positive in recent weeks has been the continued development of some of its youth.

Gnjidic praised 16-year-old Alex Baker, who has played every minute of every game so far this season, impressing in the back half.

While Jake Francis has stepped up to fill the void through the midfield left by Nelson Salvatore.

“Whilst it was a loss, there was plenty to like.

“Alex has been outstanding all year…he was immense in that back line.”

“He’s (Francis) really stepped up in that attacking midfield role and was instrumental in our goals yesterday.”

City remains in the middle of the table, seventh with five wins, four draws and seven losses. City faces St Albans Saints next week which will provide another challenge for City given the Saints are sitting in the top three of the west conference.