Melbourne FC youth coach Joe Palatsides believes Morshead Park has the infrastructure to cater for a points match in the nation’s premier league after experiencing firsthand on Saturday what the stadium has to offer.

Palatsides led City to a 2-1 win over Sydney FC in round 13 of the National Youth League, and was quick to praise the pitch and facility after the match.

“This pitch is first-rate,” Palatsides said.

“We go interstate at times and we don’t get the best quality pitches.

“They marvel at what’s been put on offer here and they love the opportunity to play.”

The encounter marked the third time City has ventured to Ballarat in a match capacity since midway through 2014.

Last August saw the club’s seniors square off against Sydney in an all-important FFA Cup clash, marking the first time Morshead Park had hosted two A-League outfits in a high-stakes encounter.

For City and Palatsides, Saturday’s win in front of a healthy crowd was also of great importance.

A mediocre opening stanza gave way to an enthralling closing half, with forward Hernan Espindola burying a 93rd-minute penalty to clinch the win. Palatsides was pleased with the result, given that City had drawn with Sydney in its first match of the season after conceding goals in the 93rd and 96th minutes.

The coach also referred to the growing relationship between Ballarat and the metropolitan club, and said he couldn’t think of a reason why Morshead Park couldn’t host competitive A-League matches soon.

“I don’t see why not,” he said. “I’m not too sure if certain criterias have to be met, (but) if there was an FFA Cup game played here it would have to be very close (to meeting those requirements).

“Ballarat’s been a very good football environment.”

michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au