Lions let lead slip in elimination final against Leeton

The Lions shot to an early two-nil lead however suffered a 3-2 loss after conceding three goals in the second half at Rawlings Park, Wagga.

"I wasn't convinced at halftime. They were extremely aggressive and played with high intensity. It was like they were just going through the motions in the regular season. It was quite intimidating," Mellish said.

"We just had to hold them out. They got a good goal and two fortunate penalties. But like I said to their coach after the game, the better side won, we were winning 2-0 and they had 10 men."

Jordan Callaghan's early long range strike gave Young a 1-0 lead, before Calum McCaffery doubled their advantage with a penalty after Leeton skipper Joey Fondacaro was sent off for his challenge in the box.

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Despite being reduced to 10 men, United scored early in the second half through Carlo Trifogli before two penalties from in-form striker Adam Raso sealed the win.

Leeton, who hasn't won a first grade title since 1993, will now play Henwood Park in this week's elimination final after they lost Sunday's qualifying final to Lake Albert 2-1 in extra time.

Mellish said it was disappointing to tumble out in the opening week of finals.

The Lions suffered heartache in 2018 after losing 2-0 to Lake Albert in the Pascoe Cup grand final.

Mellish was confident this year's side could have gone one better.

"This was probably one of the better sides I've coached," Mellish said.

The coach hasn't thought about what he'll do next season.

Young's men's third grade is the only side to progress past the opening week of finals and will play for a spot in the decider this week.

The ladies' season came to end suffering a 3-1 loss to Leeton at Rawlings Park on Sunday morning.

While fourth grade were beat 2-0 by Wagga United on Saturday.