Balmoral’s run in the FV Cecil Earley Cup came to an end on Tuesday night.
Introduced this year, the cup was a reward for the last eight state league clubs left in the Australia Cup.
Despite being a state league 4 west club, Balmoral managed to make it through to the final four along with one state league 1 team and two state league 2 clubs.
Balmoral faced Mill Park for a spot in the grand final on Tuesday night.
A goal in the 80th minute to Mill Park was the difference in the game, with Mill Park winning 1-0.
Mill Park will play Whittlesea Ranges in the final, after the Ranges beat Hampton East Brighton on penalties.
Balmoral took to social media to praise the side’s club run.
“Our incredible cup run comes to an end after a hard-fought battle against state 2 side Mill Park” it said.
“Despite missing several players due to cup ties and having some usual starters come off the bench, the lads gave everything, and we couldn’t be prouder.
“This journey, which included memorable wins over VPL2 [Victorian Premier League] and state 1 opposition, will go down in our club’s history and shows just how far we’ve come.
“To be in the final four out of 165 state league teams is an unbelievable achievement.
“While reaching the final would have been special, our eyes now turn to the league as we prepare for one of the biggest games of the season this Saturday, welcoming old rivals Melton Phoenix in a top-of-the-table blockbuster.”
