By Chris Hearn (@_ChrisHearn)

Ballarat Red Devils' hopes of survival were given a huge boost after a 2-0 over Melbourne Knights at Morshead Park on Saturday night.

Paul Harvey struck with 10 minutes remaining to curtail the nerves that were coming from the terraces, before substitute Sean Harding capped off the win at the death.

The home side dominated much of the contest, facing a Knights side competing in its third fixture in six days, following the Dockerty Cup final and the midweek victory over Oakleigh.


Daniel Visevic and Harvey traded unsuccessful efforts on goal in the opening 15 minutes, with Ballarat enjoying the lion’s share of territorial advantage.

James Robinson's side knew that nothing but a win would do, and as the side with far more to lose, nerves started to creep into their play.

A defensive mix-up saw in-form Knights forward Stipo Andrijasevic presented with a golden chance on 26 minutes.

The striker was found by midfielder Ben Surey from the left side of the penalty area, but his placed effort skimmed wide with Ballarat 'keeper Aaron Romein well out of position.

Andrijasevic was replaced due to injury on 30 minutes, replaced by Sam Torrens.

The substitute nearly made a telling impact as Leo Athanasiou's cross picked him out, but the striker fired wide after the Ballarat defence allowed him time to control and shoot.

But the hosts rallied, and a period of sustained pressure failed to find a goal but looked to tire the Knights before the break.

Ballarat started the second period much the same. Chances to Harvey and Swinton were followed by a period of aimlessness in attack.

The home support grew restless, and Robinson was visibly unhappy with his side's wastefulness.

The deadlock was finally broken by Harvey on 81 minutes. Dom Swinton's low cross was tucked home by Harvey with ‘keeper Michael O'Farrell left horribly exposed by his defence.

One soon became two as Sean Harding capitalised on more poor defending to finish emphatically past the 'keeper, sealing the points for the hosts who took a big step towards safety.


Victorious coach Robinson looked a relieved figure as tonight represented a mission accomplished.

"The boys left it late, but we've got what we needed and that's three points,” Robinson said.

"We've put ourselves right in the mix to stay in this league.”

Knights coach Andrew Marth put the loss down to a fatigued squad.

"Today we had four players that have had full 90 minutes in the reserves which makes it hard, but we had a few chances too and could have gone two or three up," Marth said.

"After the Dockerty Cup we're just going through the motions - full credit to Ballarat who never gave up."

This result means that Ballarat trails Werribee City by two points, and can possibly leapfrog the Bees on Wednesday night by completing the previously abandoned catch-up game it lead 2-0 against Pascoe Vale in Round 18.

MATCH DETAILS

Ballarat Red Devils 2 (Harvey 81', S. Harding 87') defeated Melbourne Knights 0 at Morshead Park Stadium [HT: 0-0]

Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Aaron ROMEIN (GK), 4. David KING (25. Steven THOMSON 86'), 16. Charles KING, 19. Daniel FIRTH, 17. Shaun ROMEIN, 6. Liam HARDING, 22. Patrick KARRAS (13. Michael TRIGGER 75'), 10. Paul HARVEY (31. Simon MURPHY 78’), 15. Dom SWINTON, 11. Nelson SALVATORE (28. Sean HARDING 58')

Unused substitutes: 25. Steven THOMPSON, 37. Jordan FRANKEN

Yellow cards: Liam HARDING 59', Charles KING 85'

Red cards: None



Melbourne Knights: Michael O’FARRELL (GK), 2. Michael SIMMS,  4. Ben SUREY, 5. Milan BATUR, 7. Daniel VISEVIC (11. Luke JURCIC 58'), 8. Leo ATHANASIOU, 9. Stipo ANDRIJASEVIC (3. Sam TORRENS 36'), 12. Tomislav FADJEVIC, 17. Joey MONEK, 18. Nikola SRBINOVSKI.

Unused substitutes: 1. Dallas COLELOUGH (GK), 19. Adrian BARRESI

Yellow cards: Nikola SRBINOSKI 12', Ben SUREY 61'

Red cards: None 


Image credit: Steve Starek/Melbourne Knights FC