Despite leading on four separate occasions, the Border outfit couldn’t put the game to bed.

The sending off of United captain Ashley Dunn late in the game changed the momentum in the final stages, with Box Hill breaking the deadlock in the in the 88^th minute to steal victory.

Todd Dekker was the hero, scoring all five of Box Hill’s goals.

Argentinian recruit Gonzalo Freddi took just five minutes to open his account with his new club and added a second in the 27^th minute.

Dekker answered both goals, along with Lewis Greenwood’s effort on the stroke of half-time.

Archie Thompson gave United a 4-3 after 55 minutes, only for Dekker to strike back in the 68^th minute.

Dunn was given a second yellow in the 76^th minute, as Dekker made it handful 12 minutes later to deliver three points to the home side.

United coach James Coutts admitted it simply wasn’t good enough. 

“We’ve scored nine goals in our last two games and that should be enough for maximum points,” Coutts said.

“They played a certain way and it was very effective for them.

“Sometimes we’ve got to hold our hands up and say we weren’t good enough in certain moments.

“Defensively, to concede five goals shows we weren’t good enough, not just the back four, but all over.

“The boys have come a long way defensively, but it felt like a few old habits crept in a little bit.

“We spoke openly about it and know it’s something we need to improve if we want to get to where we say we want to get to.”

However, Coutts took plenty of positives from the way his side went forward, particularly Freddi. 

“I though Gonzalo was absolutely superb in his first game.

“We knew what we were getting in terms of work rate and effort and we’re fortunate to have him.

“It was a great start for him, his hold-up play and his running was excellent and long may that continue.

“I think the more he and Archie play together, the better it’s going to be.

“We looked like we were going to score with any opportunity and their coach after the game said we had one of the best attacking lineups in the comp.

“We can score goals and create chances, but we just need to make sure we are a little bit stronger in the backline.”

Dunn will receive a one-game ban, but United may explore the option of an appeal after the Box Hill player in question admitted Dunn made no contact with him.

“The referee was possibly a little rash, considering he had just booked Dunny,” Coutts said.

“I didn’t quite understand and it was a big loss in the moment.”

With a week left in the transfer window, Coutts will keep exploring his options. 

“If we bring anyone in, they need to be better than what we’ve got and complement what we’ve got,” he said.

“If we can bring in one or two, it will be great for the group and will boost the team like the Gonzalo signing has.”

United remains in fourth position at the end of the weekend, four points behind Melbourne City in third, who they will face next round.