Valkanis had no doubt City were the better team on the night feeling their final ball and lack of composure had cost them.

Mark Ochieng scored his first A-League goal in the 87th minute to pinch United’s second win of the season after the Reds overcame a one-goal deficit.

“We had them against the wall for some time and we completely dominated,” Valkanis said.

“The stats show that as well, but unfortunately one moment of counter-attack and it was a goal.

“From the way they played they showed they’re capable and that’s football sometimes.

“Just one moment - the counter-attack and it’s 2-1. It’s not a game we should have lost.”

Valkanis still believed City were good enough to contend for the top two despite being six points behind second-placed Melbourne Victory who have two games in hand.

“Moving forwards, I think we’re comfortable and we’ll be okay,” he said.

“We dropped points in Adelaide and it was their do-or-die game as well. Understanding their situation, we knew they’d give everything today.

“It would be a grand final, we knew this and the players tried their hearts out.

“It reminds me of the lull we had with Adelaide when we won the FFA Cup, same with Melbourne Victory. Last week we got three points, but when I look at today’s effort from the boys… you can’t take away how hard they worked.”