Up against the Kootingal Kougars, as the clock ran down the score read 1-all after Harley Cheetham had found the back of the net for United.

But a goal with the “last strike of the ball” saw Kootingal take the three points.

“We pulled the ball out of the back of the net and took it to halfway and the whistle blew full-time,” United Hawks first grade coach Richard Grant said.

While it was heartbreak for first grade, the reserve grade outfit registered a sensational 6-1 win thanks to four goals from Michael Kleinschafer.

The other two goals came from a couple of Daleys – Curtis and Mathew – who scored one each.

Grant said the reserve grade side was clicking.

“Kleiny was good once again. He’s enjoying playing with some very good players around him,” Grant said.

“They’ve got the three Daley brothers [Curtis, Mathew and Nathan] playing together and Dylan Lugli is reaping the benefits of knowing he’s playing at 1pm and knowing he doesn’t have to flog himself in first grade after.”

Grant said the United Hawks were “building from the bottom” and hoped the good form would flow into the first grade side.

And he’s by no means hitting the panic buttons yet in first grade.

Barring a round three “flogging” against Quirindi, the United Hawks losses have all been close.

Grant put the close losses down to training with a number of players unable to attend due to work and family commitments.

“We got beat 2-1, 3-1 and 2-1 again so maybe it’s a lack of hanging in for the 90 minutes,” Grant said.

“We might be running out of a bit of steam – that comes down to what you do during the week and we may be paying the price for that but we’ve accepted that.

“But on Saturday the effort is certainly there.”

Grant said there were a number of top performers from the first grade match.

“Full credit to Steve Betts. He’s had two games in goals and was outstanding on Saturday,” Grant said.

“Nick Hawke and Dale Roberts at the back were good once again. Harley Cheetham and Matt Chappel in the middle of the park worked their socks off.

“Chennelle Winsor, she’s definitely a bright prospect and Luke Bonello has terrific technical ability and will only get better with this experience.”