A penalty mid-way through the first half set Yarraville on course for the opening day win, which got worse for Essendon when Chris Hatzikonstantinos received his marching orders in the second half.

United coach Norm Mancuso said the penalty - the result of a tussle between striker and defender, had been demoralising for his team to concede.

"It was fairly even at that stage - there had been very few chances created.

"I think it discouraged them and some heads dropped.

"In the second half they had a chance from open play which was really well taken, and the third goal we turned the ball over and were made to pay."

Hatzikonstantinos was sent off after his second yellow card in between Yarraville's second and third goals.

Harry Timotheou, Jasmin Ikanovic and Darren Scoble were Yarraville's goal scorers.

Mancuso said his team's structure had stood up during the match and kept Yarraville at bay, but his team had to stay disciplined.

Former Green Gully youngster Anthony Strano made his debut in the backline, and Mancuso praised his performance. United expects five players to make themselves available this weekend to add depth to the first-team squad.

More cohesion in attack will be one thing Mancuso will be after in Essendon's next game.

Essendon United hosts La Trobe University this weekend; from 3pm.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

State 3 north-west: Yarraville Glory 3 Essendon United 0.

Provisional 1 north-west: FC Strathmore 0 Laverton Park 2; South Yarra 0 Avondale Heights 2 (Marin Jancic, Andrew Sacchetta).

Provisional 2 north-west: Epping City 2 Melbourne Tornado 1 (Daniel Luketic).

Metropolitan north-west: Northern United forfeit win against Ascot Vale.