master and slave pipes will not connect freelander

Just replaced clutch slave and master.tried to connect the pipes together,but the connection will not stay in place,the locking clip seems fine.
Pulled it together with with cramps,still about 5mm short,is it possible just to join the pipes straight or would there be too much pressure without the valve connections

Is this the factory sealed master/slave clutch assembly ?

I once replaced one of these on my old 1.8 Freelander and everything went together fine. In the event it turned out not to be hydraulics anyway and the spare one is still hanging on a nail in the shed.