Ballarat keeps pressure on Bulleen
Picture: Romel Live Pixel
By Andrew Bishara
Ballarat Red Devils continued its title charge with a 2-1 win over Box Hill United at Wembley Park on Saturday.
Two quick fires goals by Dominic Swinton were enough for the visitors to cancel out Chris Page’s second half header.
The Red Devils were all over United in the first period, pressuring them all over the pitch.
It took nine minutes for Swinton to score when he ran onto a great long ball from Daniel Tinker, rounded United goalkeeper Alex Connell and roll it in an empty net.
The visitors quickly made it two-nil minutes later with a brilliant team move.
Some great footwork from Dave King saw him hold off several players, before finding Liam Harding who squared it to Swinton, as he blasted it in.
Swinton almost turned provider, but Michael Trigger failed to tap in his cross-box pass.
United came out stronger in the second half, as it tried to put itself back in the game.
And it did 10 minutes in.
United's Travis Chalk-Hatton smashed a 35-yard free kick straight to Ballarat goalkeeper Ryan Schorback, but the custodian parried the ball back into the pack for Page to header in the goal.
The game came to life after the goal as both sides pushed forwards.
Swinton broke the offside and had one on one against Connell, but the keeper made a stunning leg save to deny the striker.
United kept pushing for the leveller but couldn't quite get that killer instinct in the final third.
Ballarat held on in the final minutes and took the points.
MATCH DETAILS
Box Hill United 1 (Chris Page 56’) lost to Ballarat Red Devils 2 (Dominic Swinton 9’, 14’)
Box Hill United: 1. Alex CONNELL (GK), 25. Michael GODFREY, 18. Joey CALDERONE, 5. Alex SCHROEN, 15. Chris PAGE, 8. Caleb LUDLOW, 11. Sebastian BARRERO (14. Lucas JOHNS 62’), 21.Travic CHALK-HATTON, 16. Jack GOW (2. Nikola SURDOSKI 74’), 19. Michael KARIUKI, 20. Ollie PATERNO (17. Aaron PORCARO 68’)
Unused Subs: 35. Sam GRIGGS, 9. Chris GEILS
Yellow Cards: CALDERONE 68’, LUDLOW 92’
Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Ryan SCHORBACK. (GK), 25. David KING,8. Joshua ROMEIN,22. Patrick KARRAS, 14. Daniel FIRTH, 6. Liam HARDING, 17. Shaun ROMEIN,23. Daniel TINKER, 13. Dechlan RICKEN (35. Jake FRANCIS 60’), 5. Dominic SWINTON, 10. Michael TRIGGER (12. Michael MULLINS 87’)
Unused Subs: 19. Mile BAKER, 2.Joshue DE VOOGEL
Yellow Cards: FRANCIS 85’
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