The Scorpions were gallant against their higher-rated opponents, but fell agonisingly short of advancing to the second round of the knockout competition.

Dandenong South looked home when it raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half on its home turf.

Epsom was in the same position in its qualifying round win over Gisborne and once again the Scorpions bounced back.

Harley Richardson scored his second goal in as many weeks to put the Scorpions back in the game.

The home side scored again to re-establish its two-goal lead, but a Lachlan Arkinstall goal for Epsom set up a grandstand finish.

Epsom had chances late in the game to level the scores, but Dandenong South’s defence held up strongly and the State League 4 club advanced to round two.

Epsom will now turn its attention to the start of the BASL season.