Whittlesea United’s promotion dreams have fallen agonisingly short in FFV state league 3 north-west.
To secure second spot and promotion, United had to win its final match, against Darebin United, and hope Altona City lost to Lalor United.
Whittlesea completed its part of the job, beating Darebin 3-2.
But Altona City beat Lalor 2-0 to finish second on the ladder behind Hoppers Crossing, only goal difference ahead of Whittlesea.
La Trobe University finished fifth, Upfield finished sixth and Lalor United was ninth.
Bundoora United was another team which saw its promotion dreams dashed, this time in state league 4 north.
A win against West Preston would have been enough for Bundoora United to finish second and get a shot at the promotion playoffs.
But a 3-2 loss meant West Preston claimed second, three points clear of Bundoora United.
In state league 5 north, Mill Park completed an undefeated season with 18 wins and three draws.
They finished 14 points clear of Marcellin Old Collegians.
Sporting Whittlesea and Hume United finished their state league 2 north-west seasons with wins.
Sporting Whittlesea defeated Melbourne University 2-0, while Hume United won 1-0 against Geelong.
Tara Murray
