Pascoe Vale forward Davey van’t Schip admits the club is “shattered” after a heartbreaking end to their 2015 NPL Victoria season.
After defeating Heidelberg United to advance to the semi-finals of the competition, Pascoe Vale bowed out on Friday night after conceding in the 119th minute against South Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium.
Van’t Schip scored the equaliser to send the game into extra-time before scoring to give Pascoe Vale the lead on 99 minutes, but South Melbourne managed to score two late goals to win the game 3-2.
“I thought we were so close,” van’t Schip said. “To concede two goals like that it’s pretty shattering.
“I heard from the supporters that they thought we had the upper hand but I think overall we probably deserved a bit more from the end.”
After playing 120 minutes and partaking in a penalty shoot-out last Sunday against Heidelberg tired legs seemed to play a part in Pascoe Vale’s demise after taking the lead.
“I’m not sure, maybe it’s also concentration because we conceded three goals off set-pieces as well, so that’s pretty disappointing,” he said.
“We didn’t concede any from open play. Obviously they struggled to create chances against us and we were just unlucky on the day.
“I’ve been a part in two of the games we played South Melbourne this year and I think both times we had the upper hand and we probably deserved to win.
“That’s something to build on for next year.”
Van’t Schip was confident in his side’s ability to go all the way this season, admitting anything can happen in elimination games.
“Anything could have happened if we went through today,” he said. “It’s a one-off game.
“We’ve been competitive against all teams this year so we could have been in with a chance, definitely.”
Pascoe Vale coach Vitale Ferrante was disappointed with the circumstances of the loss but was still full of praise for his players.
“What I was so proud of tonight is we played really good football, we had some great opportunities, scored two beautiful goals and the boys kept going until the end,” Ferrante said.
“The heartbreak was conceding from a set-piece in the last minute of extra time. The boys are shattered. The performance was one of our best performances of the year with a great crowd and great atmosphere, and South are a quality team and they showed that.”
Pascoe Vale had a number of chances throughout the game but their lack of finishing prowess cost them in the end.
“It’s been the story of our season,” admitted Ferrante. “We create some fantastic chances because of the style of football we play.
“We know we have to be more clinical – not only against South but the whole season. If we were better in that regard we would have finished a lot higher on the table.
“That’s disappointing but the promising thing is the chances we are creating and the football we are playing.”