by Daniel Campos @francisfields

Moreland Zebras will enter the promotion playoff after securing second place with a 2-2 draw against Ballarat Red Devils.

A lot was at stake for both teams with second place on the line in the clash at Morshead Park.

Josh Monagle-Ihasz tried Aaron Romein in goals nice and early inside five minutes from thirty years out with a curling extended effort missing only narrowly.

The pace of the game during the afternoon was always looking tense. An early scare by veteran leader Josh Romein in the backline fortunately did not prove costly making ammends with a clearance before both Danny Charalambous and Baggio Youssif got a hold of the ball.

On fifteen minutes James Papadimitrou had his chance gone to waste as the Zebras began to command with possession.

Michael Trigger a minute later took himself on a challenge that could have well got himself on the scoresheet with time and space on the ball before deciding to shoot from long range. His effort went high much to the excitement of the local faithful.

The midfield tug-of-war was to prove decisive. The physicality was for all to see, with Michael Trigger worked up front to show a different cause. Trigger's close ball control meant the Zebras needed to work over time in both zonal and man-marking to keep him at bay.

Desperate clearances from the Red Devils' backline led by David King from the goal-line kept the hosts in the game. Manager James Robinson showed his frustration with instructions falling on deaf ears.

The lack of finishing in the front third for the Zebras stemming from quick build-up play needed to be rectified for the second forty-five.

With little to show for, the second half was indeed delivering expectation and there was a lot more attacking intent. The Zebras' Nikola Kostadinovski in goals played quickly into attack on for a counter that left Baggio Youssif to make a quick-fire switch to the left wing. This left James Kelly unmarked for a one-touch finish and open the scoring.

It was the perfect dose for the visitors giving Ballarat much desperation to search for an equaliser and get back surging in front. The physicality remained throughout the afternoon whilst Moreland Zebras began to realise their work off the ball was their key.

The pressing off the ball paid dividends. A quick play onto the right meant winger Baggio Youssif had time to shoot instead opted to cross. It went midtimed but fell in front for James Papadimitriou to extend the Zebras' lead.

The 1000-strong crowd went into overdrive however, the hosts had another plan. In quick succession, with ten minutes remaining the Red Devils got back in the hunt. First up, was defender Joshua Romein who was given orders to roam up front in attack and his impact was immediate.

A short-range tap-in finish sent the local crowd into raptures with the hope of a comeback. Barely three minutes later and fellow defender David King got his name on the scoresheet with seven minutes left on the clock for a dramatic equaliser. King's presence in the 18-yard box proved to be precise smashing the ball into the back of the net after confusion in the Zebras' marking.

Once the full-time whistle blew, the play-off place was secured for Moreland Zebras despite conceding two late goals. The end result just enough for Danny Gnjidic's men to contest a young Melbourne Victory side for a promotion place into next season's PS4 National Premier Leagues Victoria competition.

Match Details:
Ballarat Red Devils 2 (Joshua Romein 80', David King 83') drew to Moreland Zebras 2 (James Papadimitriou 58', Danny Charalambous 75') at Morshead Park.

Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Aaron ROMEIN, 14. Daniel FIRTH (35. Jake FRANCIS 25'), 8. Joshua ROMEIN, 25. David KING, 21. Charles KING, 6. Liam HARDING, 17. Shaun ROMEIN, 23. Daniel TINKER, 22. Patrick VIARRAS, 15. Dominic SWINTON, 10. Michael TRIGGER (20. James KING 75')

Unused Subs: 40. Jason HILL, 19. Miles BAKER, 33. Joshua DE VOOGEL.

Yellow Cards: 8. Joshua ROMEIN 78', 15. Dominic SWINTON 85', 21. Charles KING 87'.
Red Cards: None.

Moreland Zebras: 1. Nikola KOSTADINOVSKI, 2. Simon SIMEOY, 3. Johnny CRIVELLI, 5. Danniel PETROV, 8. Joshua McMONAGLE-IHASZ, 10. Danny CHARALAMBOUS (23. Joshua BERRIOS 90+4'), 11. Baggio YOUSSIF (24. Joshua SABIDUSSI 90+2'), 12. Bradley MURRAY, 14. James PAPADIMITRIOU, 16. Mile MEDJADOVIC, 19. James KELLY.

Unused Subs: 21. Aleksandar STOJANOVSKI, 13. Lucas RUFFINO, 15. William NUTTALL.

Yellow Cards: 3. Johnny CRIVELLI 70'
Red Cards: None.