HUME City was not outgunned so much as it was outfought by Green Gully at the weekend as the Cavaliers won 3-1 in the Victorian Premier League qualifying final.
The defeat leaves Hume City facing a sudden-death final against Heidelberg this weekend, while Gully advances to the semi-final against minor premier Richmond. Former New Zealand international Brent Fisher gave Green Gully the upper hand on 48 minutes, but Hume City's passing game kicked into gear to shift the momentum.
Richie Cardozo then put the match back on level terms with a well-taken strike on 71 minutes, only for Fisher to catch the Hume City backline cold on 75 minutes to score from a tight angle.
Hume City pushed for another equaliser, but a late handball sent Green Gully to the penalty spot where Steve Burton converted with four minutes of regular time remaining.
Hume City coach Andy Vlahos was disappointed with the scrappy game where Gully's Jeff Fleming had a big say in the midfield battle.
"We started well in the first 15 minutes but it wasn't the cleanest of games, we played into their hands.
"They won most of the tackles, the midfield duels. We needed a lot more from our experienced players like Zoran Petrevski and Alfonso Opazo."
Heidelberg advanced to the match against Hume City by eliminating Northcote City with a 3-1 win on Saturday.
For details on venue and kick-off time for Hume City v Heidelberg United, go to www.footballfedvic.com.au
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