Zac Walker equalised in the 71st minute, before narrowly missing a chance for a second just four minutes later, after some establishing play from Kade Rixon.

The scoresheets were unblemished throughout the first half, before Brunsick City struck after 64 minutes.

Despite a win going begging, coach Mick Richards was upbeat about his team’s chances in the coming weeks after a much improved performance.

“We did really well, it was probably the first really physical contest the guys have played in and they did well to adjust,” Richards said.

“For the past few rounds they’ve played against teams that played with a lot of finesse and passed the ball around, Brunswick were very different from that, and our boys will be better off for that.

“The last few weeks we’ve seen some pretty bruise-free football, they got a reminder against Brusnwick that football is a man’s game, and that some sides will attack you and play aggressively.”

Defence has been a weakness for Murray United in the last month, conceding seven goals in one game in round three.

It’s been another story since then, giving up just two goals in the last two weeks, and scoring three of their own.

Richards said the side was growing in confidence after rebounding well from the 7-1 drubbing in round two.

“Getting those defensive positions locked down has been the key,” the coach said.

“We’d been forced to plug a lot of holes early on which wasn’t ideal, but now that we have a defensive group locked in, we’re playing with a bit more consistency, which is having a flow-on effect for the whole side.”

Sean Pye and Ben Chaffey led the charge defensively, while Richards praised stand-in goalkeeper Ben Russell, who filled in for the absent Josh Fluss.

“Ben (Russell) was terrific, our defensive efforts have really improved recently,” Richards said.

“We’ve got a tough run coming in the next couple of rounds, but the boys are starting to find a bit of confidence.

“The NPL really is a different ball game, but we’re getting used to the tempo and understanding that we are good enough to mix it with these clubs.

“Getting four points in two games is good progress be, but the next few rounds will be an interesting test of where we’re really placed.”