That was Southern United’s shortcoming as it was beaten 1-0 by Hamilton Wanderers at Porritt Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, to open its national football league campaign.
A sloppy goal in the ninth minute sank the visiting side, as defender Tom Davis put the ball in the back of the net after a shot from midfielder Xavier Pratt rebounded off the post.
Southern United tried to fight back, but failed to find its way on to the scoresheet.
That was not for a lack of chances though. Half a dozen opportunities went begging as the clinical touch was not there, early on in the season.
Notably, a header from Stephen Last was saved by Hamilton goalkeeper Matt Oliver just before halftime, and Oliver again came up trumps with a double-save in the 87th minute to seal the southern team’s fate.
Coach Paul O’Reilly was "bitterly disappointed" and felt the team’s performance was worth a draw.
After a series of opportunities in the first half, Southern dominated the second.
However, O’Reilly conceded that his team cannot expect to win games if it does not put away its chances.
Despite that, O’Reilly was pleased to have dominated aspects of the game against a quality opponent.
Hamilton, playing its inaugural game in the competition, had gone through the pre-season unbeaten.
After languishing at the bottom of the table in recent years, that has to be encouraging for Southern United.
Defensively, the side was very solid. Last and Craig Ferguson were among the best on the pitch and goal keeper Liam Little made several quality saves.
Danny Ledwith put on strong display in the midfield and Eric Molloy tried to create up front, although was guilty of lacking his finishing touch and getting himself offside.
Played in 28degC heat, the game became ragged through the second half.
Ledwith, Andy Ridden and Harley Rodeka all found their way into the referee’s book, as did Hamilton’s Bailey Webster.
Southern now turns its attention to its first home game of the season against Canterbury United, on Sunday, at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
