The 3-1 result has sunk United to the bottom of the NPL 2 table after five rounds, with just two points on the board.

United coach James Coutts admitted it has been a frustrating period for the club due to the absence of a number of key men.

“It’s hard to take because the difference in performance hasn’t been hugely disappointing (each week),” Coutts said.

“For us, we’re at a stage where we need to have a fully fit team on the park and we haven’t had that once this season.

“We’ve got some young players who are going to take time to get to the level and have been brought in as squad players.

“When you’ve got Chad (Bugeja), Fernando (Posada), Westy (Alex West) and Archie (Thompson) out, it has a big impact.”

Coutts’ Australian residency was approved during the week, which allowed him to play as a local in what was his first competitive hit-out in nearly two years.

“It was nice to get out there and hopefully contribute, because that’s where I feel I can help the team,” Coutts said.

He played his part with an assist for United’s only goal, scored by Zac Walker.

“We came back into the game at 1-1 and we’re looking strong, but there was a little bit of naivety in our defending and we conceded two sloppy goals from our point of view,” Coutts said.

“Zac has been good.

“He knows he started the season a little bit off in terms of where he wants to be.

“Zac has been at the club since the beginning and he and Ash (Dunn) have been through the really hard times and been really consistent with what they give every week.

“We need to get our best 11 players on the pitch to have that work rate, attitude and the ability also, but currently we’re unable to have that.

“We’ll keep working with the boys until we do, but I’m confident when we have our starting 11 out there and gel as a team, we’re going to get some good results.”

United was able to force a 2-2 draw with Melbourne City’s youth squad, but ultimately failed to contain Victory’s under 20s danger men.

Moreland City is the club’s next opponent at home at La Trobe University, who Coutts admits have gone under the radar.

“If we can get out players back on the park and have some experience out there, we’ll give it a good go,” he said.

Coutts is hopeful both Thompson and Posada will be available next start, while Bugeja is doubtful for a week and West has one game to serve on his suspension.

The ladder is: Springvale White Eagles 10, Dandenong City 9, Melbourne City 8, Dandenong Thunder 8, Goulburn Valley Suns 6, Nunawading City 5, Eastern Lions 5, Box Hill 4, Richmond 3, Murray United 2.