The Lady Devils avoided relegation by winning a do-or-die encounter with South Springvale in Ringwood on Sunday.

First-half goals from Tessa Curtain and Alyson Pym lifted the Lady Devils to a 2-1 victory, with South Springvale scoring late in the second half to ensure a nervous closing few minutes for the Ballarat girls, who were helped by a few good saves from goalkeeper Jasmina Zdelar.

Ballarat coach Rick Romein said he was pleased with the performance and believed there was a sound basis for the coming years.

“The girls were very well disciplined in all facets of the game,” Romein said.

“The game plan worked to a tee and our structure was very good. 

“It was pleasing to see the girls play our style and not be worried about the opposition gun players.”

Romein praised the efforts of Tarryn Harris and Natalie Barbara in particular for their efforts on Sunday.

Ballarat was thrust into the surprise play-off match after thinking it had initially done enough to avoid relegation following a 1-1 draw with Brighton in the last game of the season. 

However, it still had to get over the state league two-based rivals to stay in division one for next season.