By Eva Worden

Ballarat recorded a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Bendigo in the Goldfields Derby at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

The rivalry only heightened the on-field tension as Ballarat finished the first half with 3 goals.

Upon return, the match erupted with squabbles as the visitors scored twice more with Bendigo notching a late consolation.

Only 2 minutes in, striker Michael Trigger dribbled, then volleyed cleanly to secure the Red Devils' first of the evening.

Bendigo soon gained possession and one of NPL1 West’s top scorers Corey Slevin lined up for goal in text book fashion, only to be foiled by Aaron Romein.

Trigger then found another opportunity at the 15 minute mark and chipped the ball into the goal with ease, extending Ballarat's lead.

At 33 minutes the Bendigo defence thought it had cleared the ball out of the back before Shaun Romein received it on the volley and took the shot from midfield, remarkably hitting the back of the net. 

Bendigo fought back and minutes before halftime Riley Dillon had an attempt, only to see his effort sail too high.

The second half began with both sides displaying renewed vigour.

The Bendigo supporters were on the edge of their seats in the 65th minute when Jason Shade passed to Slevin, who crossed to George Slefendorfas and the forward headed the ball towards goal, unfortunately passing inches above the crossbar.

Then 79 minutes in, Dominic Swinton crossed the ball straight at Simon Murphy’s feet, who cleanly chipped the ball to score and add insult to injury for the home team.

Bendigo did have something to cheer about in the 87th minute when Slevin aimed at goal and Dillon found the rebound, chipping the ball to score.

Then just before the end, a penalty was awarded to Ballarat and Liam Harding slotted it in the left corner sending the Ballarat supporters home happy.

MATCH DETAILS

Bendigo City FC 1 (Dillon 87’) defeated by Ballarat Red Devils 5 (Trigger 2’, 15’, S Romein 33’, Murphy 77’, Harding 90’) at Epsom Huntly Reserve 

Bendigo City FC: 1. Gianmarco D’ORIA, 2. Riley DILLON, 3. Tristan ROMEIN, 4. Daniel REES (16. Sam SCOBLE 46’), 5. Rylan SADLER, 6. Jason SHADE, 8. Karl Slevin, 9. George SLEFENDORFAS (15. Godwill BASHA 75’), 10. Corey SLEVIN, 14. Keegan SMYTH (20. Greg THOMAS 23’), 21. Prince QUANSAH 

Unused Subs: 13. Joe WILLIAMS, 30. Staree GILARDI

Yellow Cards: Quansah 41’, Shade 57’, Sadler 59’, Dillon 74’

Red Cards: Nil

Ballarat Red Devils: 1. Aaron ROMEIN, 2. James DOWNEY (22. Patrick KARRAS 62’), 6. Liam HARDING, 8. Joshua ROMEIN, 10.Michael TRIGGER (31. Simon MURPHY 75’), 14. Daniel FIRTH, 15. Dominic SWINTON, 17. Shaun ROMEIN (19. Miles BAKER 90’), 21. Charles KING, 23. Daniel TINKER, 25. David KING

Unused Subs: 33. Joshua DE VOOGEL, 41. Desan MITROVIC

Yellow Cards: Harding 41’, Firth 55’

Red Cards: Firth 81’