By Ahmed Yussuf (@ahmedyussuf10)

Ballarat Red Devils were 1-0 victors against Hume City on Sunday afternoon at Broadmeadows Valley Park.

The visitors were in a must-win position pre-game, as the side from Ballarat continues to fend off relegation to NPL1. 

Whereas, opponents Hume City sat comfortably in the table, safe from relegation and with little to play for in the remainder of the inaugural National Premier Leagues Victoria competition. 

The hosts conceded just over a quarter of the way through of the first interval when Ballarat’s centre forward Paul Harvey exhibited exceptional skill to make space for the opener 17 minutes into the opening half. 

The Red Devils began the match with confidence as Michael Trigger came up with the first attack of the game two minutes in, but a deflection changed the direction of the ball, alleviating the danger.

The visitors were on the receiving end of an attack not long after, as former Springvale White Eagles man Abel Fesseha had an opportunity from point-blank range. 

However, Red Devils defender Charlie King came out big with a strong block to deny Fesseha a possible goal.

Less than five minutes later, Ballarat attacker Harvey was found in an ideal position to help his struggling side take the lead, and with a few swivels of the hip, he let fly with a shot that bulged the back of the net.  

The hosts looked to find an equaliser immediately, but a stubborn Ballarat defence thwarted Hume’s attacks, as Steven Thomson intercepted Hume speedster Fessaha’s pass into John Sapazovski to stop an attempt on goalkeeper Arron Romein’s goal. 

The second half was a continuation of Ballarat’s composed efforts in the first period. 

Midfield dynamo Nelson Salvatore was running rampant against the Hume defence with his pace and finesse. 

The Red Devils youngster found a lovely, long raking pass in the direction of Harvey, whose attempted a chip of Steven Oldfield was unsuccessful. 

Hume winger Fesseha tried to find a rhythm in his sides play, and in doing so slipped a delicate pass into Kliment Taseski whose shot was hit directly at Romein. 

Salvatore created another opportunity for the visitors with a burst down the left wing with a searching ball cut back to Simon Murphy.

The striker shot on turn but was denied brilliantly by Hume custodian Oldfield. 

The dying embers of the game saw the hosts become more frustrated searching for an equaliser, as late penalty claims fall on deaf ears and attacks breakdown.

Hume City coach Lou Acevski questioned his side’s commitment and motivation after defeat.

“Ballarat were the better team in the first half. They looked more determined, motivated and driven than us today,” Acevski said.

“They came to play football today, where we didn’t turn up mentally.

“I’ll play the players that want to play, the players who think the seasons finished or think we have nothing to play for, they’re wrong.”

James Robinson was pleased with the win and hesitant to pick out any individuals saying “it was a fantastic team performance.” 

“It’s massive,” Robinson said describing the win with the threat of relegation on their hands.

“It’s been a tough road and our backs were against the wall but the performance was fantastic.

“Overall great team performance.”

MATCH DETAILS

Hume City 0 defeated by Ballarat Red Devils 1 (10. Paul HARVEY 17’) at Broadmeadows Valley Park [HT: 0-1]. 

Hume City: 1. Chris OLDFIELD, 4. Isyan ERDOGAN, 22. Niko JACKSON, 16. Ilhan ALTUNTAS, 8. Abel FESSEHA, 10. Richie CARDOZO (34. John BUCETO, 58’), 24. John SAPAZOVSKI 9. Anthony PROIA 58’),, 17. Aaron TURNER, 28. Matthew HENNESSEY, 23. Christopher CRISTALDO, 11. Kliment TASESKI

Un-used substitutes: 7. Adrian BOGLIS, 20. Martin DENNYS, 18. Perry LAMBROPOULOS

Yellow cards: 17. Aaron TURNER 72’, 23. Christopher CRISTALDO 87’

Red cards: Nil 

Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Aaron ROMEIN, 16. Charles KING, 18. Daniel O’DONNELL (7. Deng AGUEK, 83’), 4. David KING (25. Steven THOMSON, 15’), 28. Sean HARDING, 17. Shaun ROMEIN, 13. Michael TRIGGER (22. Patrick KARRAS, 65’), 11. Nelson SALVATORE, 31. Simon MURPHY, 10. Paul HARVEY, 19. Daniel FIRTH

Un-used substitutes: 40. Jordan FRANKEN, 9. Adrian CURTAIN

Yellow cards: Nil

Red cards: Nil