A winnable game went begging for Gippsland United after they were beaten by Brandon Park in a disappointing day on the pitch on Saturday.
Playing away from home United were brought undone in a shock defeat by a time that had been bottom of the table at the time, the final score 1-3.
The visitors conceded two penalty goals, one in each half.
While still not anywhere near full health there was an expectation this would be a day to get it done for United. By the time of the final whistle that dream was long gone, Gippsland left to lick their wounds and reset for the next week.
A red card leaving them down to 10 men in the second half didn't help their case after falling behind early.
United began the match in positive enough fashion, controlling the ball and looking like they would be the team to break through.
To their surprise, however, it was the home side who found the back of the net to break the deadlock.
Seemingly shellshocked, things only spiralled from there after United gave away the first of what was to be two penalties against them for the day.
Heading into the sheds 0-2 down a mental readjustment was desperately needed but didn't come after Gippsland conceded another penalty, this time for an unlucky handball in the box.
Striker Oscar Sheehan was handed a red card not long after following a dangerous tackle in the referee's books, and at 0-3 and down to 10 men a game that had begun with hope had turned disastrous for Gippsland.
Kuku Mahammud scored an equaliser from the penalty spot to keep the away team in the hunt but the damage had been done early and time ticked away towards Brandon Park's first win of the season.
Among the players who could hold their heads high was goalkeeper Aidan Riley, who made several crucial saves to keep his side in it.
Young Dylan Dunstall was admirable in defence, with Sheehan, stand-in captain Sammy Gatpan and Mahammud the standouts for the visitors.
Earlier in the day the reserves did well to steal a 2-2 draw, coming from behind and ultimately being a little unlucky not to win after missing some chances at a late victory.
Veteran Paul Cooper felt the pressure of the day after he was taken to hospital in the dying minutes following a nasty head knock. Cooper required multiple stitches, with the club later wishing him the best in his recovery.