MELVILLE City were knocked out of the FFA Cup after a 3-1 defeat to South West Phoenix at Len Shearer Reserve.
It was always going to be a tough task for Melville, who were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Tommy Mills was booked for the second time.
However, it battled hard against one of the strongest sides in Division 1 and gave a good account of itself.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWPhoenix started strongly, with City keeper Daniel Agudelo called on early to make some vital saves.
Kieran Quinn headed over from a promising corner, before Jayden Prosser was unable to get his head to a high cross as the visitors started to turn the screw.
In response, Denaudo Murray tested Jamie Oakey’s reactions with a stinging shot, before Charlie Bush came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when he hit the side netting.
Just before half time, the away side grabbed the vital goal when Prosser beat the offside trap and dinked the ball over the on-rushing Agudelo.
They doubled their lead not long after the restart when Sherwin Tucker felled Lee Stewart in the box and Nicola Gazzola converted from the spot.
Simon El Chami nearly got the hosts back into it when he fired over after some nice work from Christian Long, before Mills was given his marching orders.
Phoenix proved their class soon after, as Prosser capitalised on a turnover and teed up Gazzola from close range to further extend their lead.
El Chami reduced the deficit from the spot after Long won a late penalty after drawing a foul, but it was too little too late.
In other cup results, Melville’s under-18’s lost 3-1 to NPL outfit ECU Joondalup, while the reserves went down fighting 2-1 against ECU’s under-20’s side.
MORE: Perth Observatory has history written in the stars
MORE: Rottnest Island Authority boss wants new businesses and experiences on island
MORE: Korean War veteran now a South Korean Ambassador for Peace