MARCONI 2 d WOLLONGONG 0

Bonnyrigg's quest for a semi-final berth has hit a speed hump after the White Eagles failed to overcome the Bankstown City Lions on Saturday night.

Not even a vocal home crowd could prevent the White Eagles from a 2-0 loss, as the Lions registered a goal in each half to take three points from the round 18 NSW Premier League fixture.

The signs were positive in the opening period of the match, with the White Eagles matching it with their higher ranked rivals.

But effort counts for nothing on the scoreboard, and the White Eagles soon learned that lesson.

Hussein Salameh worked his way past the home side's defence and drilled his shot past Nenad Vekic into the bottom left hand corner for a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

The match was shaping into a tough contest with tempers flaring before the half time whistle, as Paul Cotte and Hussein Salameh exchanged rash challenges.

Bankstown were quick out of the blocks in the second half, but failed to turn opportunity into points, but at the other end the White Eagles proved their own worst enemy.

The former Super League champions never looked confident up front and rarely threatened their rivals.

The Lions rubbed salt into the wound when Phillip Makrys' shot bounced in front of Nenad Vekic and over the keeper to secure the 2-0 result in the 87th minute.

Despite the loss, Bonnyrigg coach Brian Brown hasn’t given up hope of a semi-final berth.

“We are still a chance because a lot can happen in five games,” Brown said.

“There is 15 points up for grabs and we need at least 10.