Highlands United's ill-fated finish to the soccer season copped another boot at Bulli yesterday when the reserve grade side was dealt a heartbreaking 1-0 grand final defeat by Dapto.

In a bittersweet season for the fledgling club, all three grades made the finals cut for the first time ever but still failed to bring home any silverware to Renwick.

The cruel hand of soccer fate didn't help matters on a gusting Bulli day either, as the Highlands side was continuously denied the net after coughing up a goal in the opening ten minutes.

United's captain and keeper Brendon Dodds refused to be critical of his side after the match though, instead citing inexperience and rotten luck.

"We played pretty strongly out there and I really think we were the best side," he said.

"It was just one bad mistake and I suppose a few of the younger guys were a bit intimidated by the occasion.

"No-one expected us to make it this far and it's still been an awesome season.

"It just goes to show the heart and the spirit that this side has."

United went one down early in the first stanza when an embarrassing defensive blunder handed Dapto striker Scott Burgess a gift goal.

But the Highlands men found their rhythm as the half rolled on and nearly snatched the equaliser before the break when a Sean Maguire shot came excruciatingly close to crossing the line before being booted clear just in time.

The second half became a predictable midfield arm wrestle with Dapto pushing numbers back and frustrating United's potent attacking weapons.

The spoiling tactics proved too much for striker Maguire who was red carded just before time for a second yellow.

This didn't stop the United resurgence but despite a strong rally late, the goal failed to come.

"This is just awesome and we've worked extremely hard after losing out on the minor premiership," an elated Dapto skipper John Slatter said.

"Highlands put up a good fight but I think it was just experience that got us there today."

United's best players on the day were Ray Collins, Craig Hutton and Les Bailey.