That was the case for Southern United yesterday.
Slumped at the bottom of the ASB premiership and coming up against one of the in-form sides, the home team needed a bit of luck when it faced Team Wellington at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
But it all went wrong right from the start and, once key midfielder Stu Kelly was sent from the field for a second yellow card after just 15 minutes, it was into the defensive trenches for Southern United.
Outmanned, the side gave the game its best shot but two quick goals around the half-hour mark gave Team Wellington the advantage and there was no miracle comeback from Southern United.
On a hot day, Team Wellington passed the ball round and stretched the home side.
The Southern United players fought hard but being one short told the further the game went on, especially on a big field such as the one under the roof.
Striker Sam French was a lone figure up front and, even when he did get the ball, had two to three men on him.
Kelly was first yellow carded for a handball in the penalty box after three minutes which resulted in a penalty.
It was a debatable decision and home team goalkeeper Tom Batty kept his side in the game by saving not one but two penalties. He went to his left to save one but it was ruled by the linesman he had moved too early.
But he then stopped the replayed shot low to his left to keep the game scoreless.
Kelly was then marched after 15 minutes with a mistimed tackle on Tom Jackson. It was clumsy but it hardly warranted his dismissal which, in the end, ruined Southern United's chances.
Team Wellington scored the first goal through midfielder Alex Feneridis after 34 minutes, when Southern United failed to clear a corner and he shot from about 15m.
Four minutes later, midfielder Ben Harris shot from about 6m to add the second.
Southern United tired in the second half and Team Wellington scored its final goal through Harris in the dying stages.
Southern United will next play the Wellington Phoenix reserves.
ASB premiership
The scores
Team Wellington 3
Alex Feneridis 34, Ben Harris 38, 83
Southern United 0
Halftime: 2-0
