A depleted Gippsland United senior men's side were no match for South Springvale on Saturday night.
Despite some sterling efforts from their younger brigade, United were unable to match the strength and power of their opponents, walking away with a 0-4 loss.
Playing under lights for the first time this year the away fixture at Warner Reserve was always going to present a challenge to the young United side, with the South Springvale fans particularly vocal and passionate.
Past matches at Warner Reserve have proven to be character building for Gippsland. Their two most recent contests there resulted in 2-2 draws, both through equalising goals scored late in injury time.
This time around was a very different story however, in large part due to United missing a scarcely believable seven of their first choice starting 11.
Jobie Heusmann (groin), Riley Hamilton (groin), captain Ashley Ross (hip), Nathan Lugton (calf), Sammy Gatpan (work), Aidan Riley (knee) and Thomas Ahmadzai (suspended) were all unavailable, leaving it up to Gippsland's youth to take on a highly talented South Springvale side.
Four of United's starting side - Dylan Dunstall, Jayden Taylor, Bayden Heusmann and Ben McCartney - were all 19 years old or younger.
Despite what appeared to be a significant gulf in experience United began the match with plenty of pep in their step.
The match was played at quite a frantic pace, the ball zooming all over the pitch as both sides sought to score quickly.
There were plenty of tackles in what was a high energy game as United forwards Oscar Sheehan, Heusmann and new signing Kuku Mahammud threatened the goals on several occasions.
Gippsland were able to surprise a few punters with their efforts, though were still forced to settle for going into half time 0-1 down following a penalty decision at the 20th minute.
South Springvale's Dylan Damevski stepped up to the spot for his kick, duly slotting it past the keeper to give his side an advantage at the half.
Despite that United came out with plenty of purpose in the second half, looking spritely against their much more highly fancied opposition and controlling possession.
However as they began to tire the home side were able to capitalise, a second penalty handing Aron Handakas a goal to double South Springvale's lead at the 70th minute.
With time running out and any chance of claiming some points seemingly out of reach, errors crept into the visitors' play - something they couldn't afford against one of the league's most impressive teams.
Two late defensive errors handed South Springvale two more relatively simple goals, the first to Arran Dunbar at the 85th minute and the second to Andrew Varsamis in the 89th.
Despite Gippsland's endeavour throughout the match they were left to walk away with a tough loss, South Springvale's forward power paying dividends when it mattered.
United officials will be hoping that the club's younger, more slightly built players will be better off in the long run having taken on one of the best sides State League One has to offer.
Gippsland's reserves were also left to lick their wounds, going down 1-3.
After a relatively even opening 40 minutes United were left shellshocked by three straight South Springvale goals, one just before half time and two just after,
A late strike from Lucas Vick gave the scoreline some more respectability in what was a physical match, the referees handing out six yellow cards between the two sides.
Gippsland United now sits 10th in the seniors (six points behind top spot) and sixth in the reserves (three points behind).
United will now rest up over the Easter break with hopes that they can get some reinforcements back into the starting line-up for their home fixture against Beaumaris on Saturday April 26.