United lost 3-2 at Regional Stadium in a match decided in golden goal extra time. A low finish from Lake after a cross drilled into the area gave United keeper Luke Jennings no chance of making a save.

The deciding goal came in the second period of extra time, just as a penalty shootout loomed.

It could have been so different for United. Daniel McGovern, the golden boot winner in 2014, went agonisingly close to the elusive golden goal in the first half of extra time.

McGovern out-muscled his way to the ball and headed past the Lake defender, but his deft shot came back off the crossbar.

The United striker gave the Lake defence trouble all day, but just couldn't find the goal to win it for his team.

McGovern striker forced a brilliant save from the Lake keeper with a strong drive from distance as the clock wound down in regular time.

Minutes later he was at it again as a bouncing ball in the Lake box almost found its way into the net. McGovern just couldn't get the decisive touch to put it in.

Earlier, United had the perfect start through Liam Clarke. Clarke was first to react when Simon Granfield's low shot came back off the left-hand post.

Lake's reply came almost immediately, but the Forster side's equaliser to United's second goal was even quicker.

Josh Casey steered a shot past a diving keeper and into the net, but Lake scored from the next attacking raid and spectators had a cracking match on their hands.

Jennings parried wide to force a corner before saving again as United had a couple of nervous moments in the shadows of the break. United coach Chris Walsh was philosophical about Saturday's loss.

Walsh said United was in the same position as Lakes was last year. The Taree team lost both deciders in 2013.

"It happened to these guys last year," Walsh said. "Maybe this is our apprenticeship. Maybe next year's our year."

Walsh said McGovern was distraught after going so close to winning it for his team.

"He did all the hard work," Walsh said. He paid tribute to his opposition for another good performance. "They're worthy winners," Walsh said.

"They probably didn't play their best football today but they are a very good side and were minor premiers. So they deserve it."

McGovern and Jennings looked to be moving on next year. Walsh was unsure if anyone else in the top side would follow.

"Hopefully no more of them retire," he said, referring to the raft of reserve graders indicating they wouldn't play in 2015.