By Matthew Conversano

A wet and dreary Campbell Reserve saw hosts Moreland City unable to get the better of a stubborn Ballarat defence who held on for a 1-0 win.

A Shaun Romein penalty was the only difference between the two sides in a match that was far from a testament to free flowing football.

The opening portion of the match saw the two sides arm wrestling for the right to play their brand of football on a surface which made it difficult for either team to do so.

The opening chance of the match arrived just on 6 minutes as a spearing cross from Ballarat’s Dom Swinton found the head of Simon Murphy whose attempt at goal flew just wide.

Following its first sight of goal, Ballarat looked to send men forward in the hope of opening the scoring for the afternoon. 

It appeared as though The Devils had broken the deadlock on the 15th minute mark as a cross from Charles King found the head of David King whose looping header forced a terrific save from Moreland custodian Brandon Galgano running back with the flight of the ball.

The opening goal arrived during the 21st minute of play, when Moreland centre half Shane Carr threw Murphy into the turf in an incident which referee Jordon English adjudged a penalty.

Captain Romein stepped up to convert the spot kick and give the visitiors the first advantage.

The second half in comparison to the first was a fairly dull affair as Ballarat looked to nullify every attack that came their way.

Moreland did however create a few chances to equalize including a swift turn and shot from wideman Ossie Kose.

However Ballarat number 1 Aaron Romein was equal to it as he palmed the strike away from danger.

Despite an aerial bombardment in the closing stages of the match in an attempt to salvage a point for the home side, Ballarat’s stubborn back four held on strong to earn a valuable 3 points on the road.

MATCH DETAILS 

Moreland City 0 were defeated by Ballarat Red Devils 1 (Romein 21’) at Campbell Reserve, Coburg 

Moreland City: 1. Brandon Galgano, 2. Yang Tou-Yong, 18. Ossie Kara, 12.  Shane Carr, 3. Finn Huzzey, 4. Quinn McDonald, 8. Corey Thomas, 23. Mo Kurucu (17. Liam Bryan 64’), 10. Liam Francis(11. Kam Sismek 77’), 14. Casey Thomas, 7. Ossie Kose (9. Lisandro Paz 77’)

 
Unused Subs: 5. Yianni Avramidis, 16. Nathan Rourzelas

Yellow Cards: Quinn McDonald 67’, Corey Thomas 86’

Red Cards: Nil 

Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Aaron Romein, 14. Daniel Firth, 25. David King, 21. Charles King, 6. Liam Harding, 8. Joshua Romein, 17. Shaun Romein, 23. Daniel Tinker  (28. Callum Ferguson 90+2’) 10. Michael Trigger (13. Dechlan Picken 87’), 31. Simon Murphy, 15. Dominic Swinton (2. James Downey 69’)    

Unused subs: 19. Miles Baker, 40. Ryan Snorback

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil