BALLARAT Red Devils have bounced back from a horror week off the pitch with a dominant victory over Murray United.
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A five-goal second-half saw the McDonalds Reds belt their opponents 6-1 in round 10 National Premier Leagues Victoria One action at Morshead Park on Saturday.
Early, it appeared the Reds had been affected by the consternation regarding Ballarat's finances and club unity, with Dom Swinton missing two point blank shots in three minutes (one saved miraculously by Murray keeper Josh Fluss).
The home side looked sluggish and lacked its trademark press, but nonetheless went 1-0 when Michael Trigger found the back of the net 28 minutes in after a brilliant Daniel Tinker cross.
Murray fought back for the equaliser 10 minutes later to enter the break at 1-1.
Coach James Robinson gave his players a stern talking to at half-time and they looked a different side on the restart, with David King sparking the dominant run with a goal just 12 seconds after play resumed.
Robinson said he gave his players a healthy dose of "truth" and "reality", to which they replied brilliantly, finding the back of the net five time in 30 minutes.
Josh Romein celebrated his 200th club match with a solid performance in defence and received a rousing ovation from the Reds faithful when he was replaced by Jake Francis in the 87th minute.
Dom Swinton finished with a brace, with goals at the 51 and 62 minute marks, enhancing his reputation as Ballarat's most dangerous forward.
Simon Murphy (63 minutes) and Nelson Salvatore (70) also found the back of the net.
James Robinson denied it was a relief to get the win, but was thrilled to see his players shrug off the sluggish start.
"In the grand scheme of things (this week) put a lot of things into perspective," he said.
"It's been a big week for the football club on and off the park and some people could say you take your eye off the ball and I think that first half was.
"We took the eye off what we were meant to be doing.
"I'm pleased for all the supporters. It's been a tough week for the fans (and) everyone behind the club. It's been a really, really tough week.
"This is a football club worth fighting for. There's a lot of people here who are going to fight for it on and off the park."
The Red Devils have now won their past four matches.