Red Devils
PROMOTION hopes are over in the Ballarat Red Devils’ camp.
A one-nil loss to Brunswick City in a catch-uRp game on Saturday has relegated the Haymes Red Devils to fourth on the Football Federation Victoria state league two ladder.
Reds playing manager Brian Shelley said while a top-two finish was mathematically impossible now, the Reds were working hard to maintain a top-four ranking through the final two rounds.
Shelley said the trip to Brunswick was disappointing because his team had played well and lost.
Reds goalkeeper Simon Williams was red carded 15 minutes into play when he fouled a Brunswick City player in the box, leaving the referee no choice but to send him off.
The Reds had few options to replace him, and sent in inexperienced youngster Harley Bosher as keeper.
Brunswick City scored from the penalty shot but 16-year-old Bosher, who started in the outfield, held his ground in what Shelley said was a brilliant effort.
The Reds had their chance to level, 15 minutes after Williams was dismissed, when Josh Romein took a penalty shot – and missed.
Shelley said it was a frustrating result.
“In the second half we created good chances and at least deserved a draw but it didn’t turn out like that,” Shelley said.
“In the second half we were the superior team and got to take two or three chances.
“Looking back on the past two matches we have lost, it would be easier to accept if we hadn’t played well.But this is a results business.”
A 3-1 loss in a top of the ladder bout with Moreland City last week ended the Reds’ 14-game unbeaten streak.
The Reds will finish the season by hosting Altona City then a road trip to face Preston Lions.