By Jordan Lim (@JordanLim24)

A moment of Shaun Romein magic may just have saved Ballarat’s season after his first-half volley secured an important 1-1 draw in its catch-up fixture away to Bentleigh Greens.

The midfielder’s wonder goal cancelled out Wayne Wallace’s opener just two minutes prior for Bentleigh.

While the home side had little to play for – other than form in the build-up to its Westfield FFA cup clash against Sydney Olympic – it still fielded a strong outfit at a warm Kingston Heath Soccer Complex.

The pace of Ryan De Vries and Jamie De Abreu on either flank was particularly troubling, and a staunch Bentleigh midfield did their best to play through them.

Romein - of the Aaron variety - was forced off his line a number of times early to clear as a second-string Ballarat defence struggled to deal with the Bentleigh wide men.

When De Vries broke free on the left in the 25th minute, alarm bells rang, but Romein just managed to tip the Kiwi’s cross past a lurking Andre McNamara.

It proved to be a sign of things to come, as De Vries once again weaved his way through on the flank, exchanging a string of passes with his captain Wallace before the Englishman eventually fired home a low-placed effort.

They say you’re always most vulnerable after scoring, but no one in their right mind would’ve seen what was coming next.

After Christian Cavallo cleared off the line following Paul Harvey’s header from a corner, Shaun Romein attempted an audacious shot, and he caught it perfectly.

A real contender for goal of the season, the Ballarat midfielder struck true from outside the area with a sumptuous first-time volley, which clipped the crossbar on its way into the top-left corner.

The Romeins were having a field day, with the second half belonging to Aaron who made a number of key saves to thwart the Bentleigh front three.

When De Abreu broke free of his marker, it looked for all money that he’d convert to give Bentleigh the lead, but his drive was magnificently stopped by the Red Devils shot stopper, who dived low to deflect the ball clear.

Romein then smothered a near-post effort from De Vries 20 minutes from time to ensure his side took a valuable point out of the contest.

Ballarat coach James Robinson agreed that the hard-earned point could be the difference come the end of the season.

“A point away at Bentleigh Greens, any team would take that,” Robinson said.

“We had a few chances, they had chances and it was a pretty intense game. Both teams showed a lot of fight, we dug in deep and we’ve come away with a point that could prove to be pivotal.”

Opposite number John Anastasiadis had no qualms with the shift his side put in, but was left to lament the fashion in which they conceded.

“Every team in the world is vulnerable when they score and we’re no exception,” Anastasiadis said.

“We unfortunately conceded and we went out to try and get the three points. The effort was excellent, we’ve just got to be better at finishing our one-on-one chances.”

The stalemate ensures the trio of Dandenong, Port Melbourne and Werribee will be required to pick up a point to survive in the top flight, should Ballarat win two of its next three games.

MATCH DETAILS

Bentleigh Greens 1 (Wallace 34’) drew Ballarat Red Devils 1 (S. Romein 36’) at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex [HT 1:1]

Bentleigh Greens: 21. Alastair BRAY (GK), 2. Thomas MATTHEWS, 3. James CUMMING, 7. Jamie DE ABREU, 8. Wayne WALLACE, 14. Ryan DE VRIES, 15. Christian CAVALLO, 19. Liam McCORMICK (4. Patrick AVICE 68’), 20. Davide CARDAMONE (22. Lewis FOSTER 80’), 24. Luke PILKINGTON, 25. Andre MCNAMARA (16. Nicholas TEICHMAN 56’)

Unused subs: 1. Lajos HUN (GK)

Yellow cards: L. Pilkington 29’

Red cards: Nil

Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Aaron ROMEIN (GK), 28. Sean HARDING, 4. David KING (25. Steven THOMSON 54’), 16. Charles KING, 19. Daniel FIRTH, 17. Shaun ROMEIN, 6. Liam HARDING, 22. Patrick KARRAS (13. Michael TRIGGER 86’), 10. Paul HARVEY, 15. Dom SWINTON (31. Simon MURPHY 78’), 11. Nelson SALVATORE

Unused substitutes: 40. Jordan FRANKEN (GK), 7. Deng AGUEK

Yellow cards: P. Harvey 56’

Red cards: Nil