BALLARAT Red Devils remain without a win after being out-pointed by Whittlesea in the second round of the Football Federation Victoria state league two season.
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Haymes Red Devils gave up two goals in the space of 10 minutes in the second half to lose the three points away from home.
Ballarat’s cause was not helped when Shaya Almousa was shown a red card with three minutes in the opening half.
It was the Reds’ second red card in as many games, with Rhyse Crowe sent off in the opening round.
With Simon Murphy straining a hamstring about 35 minutes into Saturday’s outing, for the second time in a month, Ballarat’s depth is being tested.
Murphy might miss up to four weeks. Murphy was up and lively early, giving Ballarat its first real chance in 14 minutes when he collected a pass from Liam Harding, only to be called off-side.
Michael Trigger had scoring chances on 22 and 27 minutes, but each went wide.
Ballarat stuck to the task, however a Harding free kick hit the wall on 76 minutes and Swinton put a shot just over the bar.
Ballarat scored what would be no more than a consolation goal on 81 minutes.
Five players were involved, with a Harding through-ball to Stefan Nigro, who sent home his first senior goal.
Ballarat had a last-minute chance to salvage a draw with a free kick on the edge of the box, but the shot just went wide.
