The Ballarat girls’ 2-1 win leaves them a point behind Football Federation Victoria women’s state league one leaders University of Melbourne.

Just four games remain in the home and away season, with a clash against the pacesetters later this month to possibly decide the championship.

Despite dominating the early stages of play on Sunday at Morshead Park, the Eureka Strikers were on the back foot in the 13^th minute when they failed to effectively clear a corner and Brighton was able to slot home.

The early lead allowed Brighton to put players behind the ball and stifle the Eureka Strikers for space. This made the visitors difficult to break down and left the home side susceptible to a counter-attack as it increased numbers going forward.

A breakthrough finally occurred in the 43rd minute when a quick throw from Erin Plucke gave Tessa Curtain time and space to deliver a cross into the box, which Lulu Al-Huneidi headed home.

The Eureka Strikers then doubled their tally in the 62nd minute when an initial corner from Al-Huneidi was cleared, only for her to put in a second cross, which was headed into the net by Claire Demuth.

Once more, Holly Williamson led the Ballarat defence and was ably assisted by Millie Martin and Plucke.

Hannah Kozaris was excellent in the centre of midfield, applying consistent pressure on the Brighton midfield and winning many one-on-one battles.

Next weekend, the Eureka Strikers are again at home for a game against ninth-placed Preston Lions.

Last time the two sides met, Ballarat required an injury time goal to secure a point in a 2-2 draw.

An injury cloud still hovers over left midfielder Jordan Ivey, who only managed to play 15 minutes in her return to the side on the weekend.

The Eureka Strikers will need to decide whether to give her another week off so that she is right for crucial games against third-placed North Geelong and University of Melbourne or whether it is too much of a risk to miss her physical presence against Preston.

Meanwhile, Ballarat’s development squad suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton on Sunday.

Sally Gentle scored the home team’s only goal in the second half.

The result leaves the Eureka Strikers third on the table.