It had the best of the first half, but it was not to be for Otago United in the national youth league final in Auckland yesterday.
Otago United eventually lost 3-0 to Auckland City, but went into the halftime break with tails up after a strong first half.
The visiting side made much of the early play and almost took a lead two minutes into the game when Taylor McCormack's shot on goal was blocked.
Otago's youngsters took to their defensive task with gusto on a slippery Fred Taylor Park and the teams went into the break scoreless.
Coach Tony Martin was reasonably happy with his side's first half.
''We actually squeezed them and pressured them, and stopped their passing game. They didn't make two passes in the whole first half, basically,'' Martin said.
But 20 minutes into the second half, Otago United was deflated when Auckland City gained a penalty through its main strike weapon, Stephen Carmichael, who received contact in the 18-yard box.
''It could easily have not been given - the guy was looking for contact and jumped into one of our players,'' Martin said.
''The score was a little bit inflated but, overall, they deserved to win. We certainly had our chances, though.''
While the loss was a disappointing way to end the season, Martin is thrilled with where the youth section of Otago United sits now the season is over.
''The team has made some progress and there are some good young players on the radar,'' he said.
''I think the players can take a large amount of pride in their efforts during the season. They've certainly improved and got better.''
Auckland City 3 (Jordan Roberts, Thomas Konusi, Dean Lause) Otago United 0. Half-time: 0-0.
