Southern United ran into a reality check against Southland on Saturday, as the senior sides drew 0-0 and Southland's youth side won 2-1 on the artificial turf in Invercargill.
As part of United's build-up for the national league, the match was an invaluable chance for coaches Luiz Uehara and Darren Hart to see their troops outside the training environment.
Early control by United, which retained possession well, would have pleased the coaches.
New signing Patrick Ebanda sprayed passes around despite close attention from Southland's Ryo Okuyama, and there were sharp wide runs by young Taylor McCormack, whose crosses tested Southland's defence. Late on, a strong volley by the striker might have won the match.
Southland had less possession but threatened on the break through the pace and power of Matty Burgess and James McFelin. And, wherever the action was thickest, veteran Barry Gardiner mopped up and prompted Southland into effective attacks.
Playing a central midfield role, former Kiev professional Ebanda was an effective fulcrum for United, and behind him, central defenders Peter Overmire and Aaron Corkhill were strong in the air.
Bara'ia Toubat was full of energy bursting out of midfield, as were Morgan Day and Peter Rae, when they came on in the second half, when Uehara gave all his substitutes a run.
Most threatening was the other experienced second-half substitute, Regan Coldicott, whether launching big cross-field passes, or darting through gaps around the Southland penalty area.
The Mosgiel player showed his national league class in a side that was without any input from, Caversham, Dunedin Technical or Roslyn-Wakari.
Southland keeper Chris Marsh hit top form to deny United. A fine second-half double save, reflexing away a close-range shot, then diving to clasp a second shot, typified the big keeper's excellent performance.
Marsh also boosted morale by racing outside his penalty area to head one attack clear, and late in the match brazenly moved forward to join in an attacking Southland free kick.
Uehara praised the keeper's performance, and was not unhappy regarding his own team's pattern of play.
''We retained good possession, and created lots of chances, which their keeper did well to stop,'' Uehara said.
''It was a very useful first game for United, and will give focus to our training sessions as we continue our intensive build up for national league football. If we can arrange another similar match in Dunedin, it would also be good value.''
