Lions hold on to send Ballarat home empty handed
By Billy Green
Eastern Lions have held on to a slender one-goal lead to defeat Ballarat Red Devils 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions’ early goal proved to be all that was needed; a late surge by the Devils not able to penetrate their steadfast defence.
Eastern Lions looked dangerous from the onset, keeping vocal Ballarat goalkeeper Aaron Romein on his feet as they pressed forward.
At the 15-minute mark, a momentary lapse in Ballarat’s defence allowed Lions’ striker Munyaradzi Nyadzayo to pounce and put the home team up 1-0.
The hosts continued to press forward for the rest of the half, but a couple of brilliant saves by Romein allowed his team to stay within reach.
On 32 minutes, a through ball to Nyadzayo left him with a one-on-one against Romein, but he was unable to convert the opportunity.
The second half continued with a similar trend as Ballarat struggled to piece together structured plays in their forward half.
Lions’ players Ziggy Razuki and David McKessy were presented with opportunities, but were unable to put their team further ahead.
The Devils began to surge late in the half, with substitute Simon Murphy missing a close-range shot.
This was followed soon after by another miss by Dominic Swinton after receiving a cross from David King.
A frantic final few minutes by the Devils wasn’t enough to get them the equaliser, and were left to rue their missed opportunities on the long drive back to Ballarat.
Eastern Lions continue their stellar form of the season and will face up against Dandenong City next week.
Match details
Eastern Lions 1 (Nyadzayo 15’) defeated Ballarat Red Devils 0 at Gardiner Creek Reserve
Eastern Lions: 1. Andrew LIGHTFOOT, 2. William ELLIS, 3. Matthew PARRY, 4. Chris PACE, 5. Thomas FALCONER, 6. Andrew WILLIAMS, 7. Ziggy RAZUKI, 11. Munyaradzi NYADZAYO, 12. David McKESSY, 14. Jordan HORN (9. Louis RUZUKI 81’), 16. Shaun KENNY
Unused subs: 21. Robert HAVERCROFT, 8. Mitch BEAMISH, 15. Yianni TOUMANIDIS, 10. Jack DUFFIELD
Yellow Card(s): William ELLIS 77’, Thomas FALCONER 30’
Red Card(s): None
Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Aaron ROMEIN, 2. Joshua ROMEIN, 33. James KING, 21. Charles KING, 4. David KING, 23. Daniel TINKER, 35. Jake FRANCIS (31. Simon MURPHY 55’), 10. Michael TRIGGER (11. Miles BAKER 71’), 15. Dominic SWINTON, 22. Patrick KARRAS, 19. Daniel FIRTH
Unused subs: 40. Jason HILL, 13. Dechlan PICKEN, 28. Callum FERGUSON
Yellow Card(s): Aaron ROMEIN 44’, Daniel TINKER 60’
Red Card(s): None
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