Murray United has just two points to its name after four rounds following a controversial 3-1 defeat to rivals Goulburn Valley Suns (GVS) at Shepparton on Saturday.
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The game will be remembered by the United camp for all the wrong reasons and also adds more pressure on the Border outfit who is in desperate need for its first win of the campaign.
United coach James Coutts claimed it’s the second year in a row his side has travelled to Shepparton and been caught up in a contentious match that has been poorly officiated.
“At the moment, it’s very difficult for the boys because the game as a whole was spoiled,” Coutts said.
“I thought it was a horrible game to watch from both sides, there was zero control out there.”
Zac Walker found the back of the net in the third minute to give the visitors the early edge, but a mistake from United squared the contest at 1-1 at the break.
GVS took advantage of some sloppy defending to take the lead in the 53rd minute and were awarded a penalty with 10 minutes to play, which was converted on the rebound to make it 3-1.
United played the majority of the second half with 10 men after Alex West received a red card, but Coutts was shocked it was the only one handed out during the fiery encounter.
“I’m very honest in my opinions, so if someone deserves a red card, I’ll be the first to say it,” he said.
“One of their players in particular could have had three red cards over the amount of fouls he kept giving away.”
Coutts believes his side didn’t get the desired result because of the extreme nature in which the game was played.
“We couldn’t play the style we wanted to play because our boys were getting absolutely smashed off the ball,” he said.
“Lewis (Greenwood) had a good chance and Dunny (Ashley Dunn) hit the bar, so we could have been 2-0, 3-0 up without playing well.
“There was a goal just before half-time that was our own mistake and we missed too many key moments and chances.
“In terms of the result, of course it was disappointing and we know that.
“We missed some experience out there as well.”
Coutts admitted the result stings a bit more because it was a derby.
“We’ll dust that one off because it’s very difficult to analyse the game from a football point-of-view,” he said.
“Hopefully we’ll get some players back for the Melbourne Victory game (next weekend).”