Goals at the end of each half saw Bulleen hand Murray United its fifth loss in six weeks in a 2-0 victory at La Trobe on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A penalty on the stroke of half-time gave the visitors all the momentum after what was a promising start from the Murray defence.
Sean Pye was called for a handball in the 44th minute, which was converted by Bulleen to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
Murray were better in attack in the second half and created enough chances to get into the game, but they've lacked the finishing touch in recent weeks.
The result was put beyond doubt when an errant free kick from Murray goalkeeper Abdulkerim Koc picked out a Bulleen player who fired into the empty net in the first minute of added time.
Murray remains nine points outside the top-six with just six games remaining and coach Elliot Jones admits it will be difficult for his side to get there.
"We needed to pick up points in the last two weeks and we haven't," Jones said.
"It's not mathematically impossible and the league will show you there's upsets every week, but looking at the distance and the games we have to play, it's going to be very difficult to get into that top-six position."
ALSO IN SPORT:
Jones added Bulleen were just a little more polished than his side
"They had a lot more shots on goal and a lot more corners and probably better field position than us, but for large parts of it I thought we defended really well," Jones said.
"They're a good side and we knew we were going to be up for a tough game, but I thought in the first half we were quite comfortable.
"As much as they were on top and getting set pieces and corners, we were defending well.
"Sean Pye was called for a handball in the box. He thought he headed it onto his shoulder, but the referee has called it.
"For them to get a penalty right on the stroke of half-time was a bit of a sucker punch, but to the boys' credit, we came out in the second half and created chances.
"I guess it's sort of the story of our season, we had enough good looks on goal to jag one or two, but we're just not able to put the ball in the back of the net."
Archie Thompson was a late withdrawal from the squad with Jones not wanting to risk another hamstring injury to his star, but is confident he will start next weekend against Springvale.
Jones will also look to give the younger players in his squad further opportunities in the final six games of the campaign.
The ladder after round 22 is: Eastern Lions 46, Bulleen 41, Northcote City 38*, Langwarrin 34, Manningham United 32, GV Suns 29, Melbourne City 23*, Murray United 20, Box Hill United 18, Springvale 17*.
Receive our daily newsletter straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. Sign up here