In yet another impressive display, the Reds defeated Melbourne City 1-0 at Morshead Park on Saturday to reaffirm their status as the form team in the National Premier Leagues Victoria 1 west competition.

And in doing so, they stretched their unbeaten streak to a remarkable 10 games - one of the most successful patches in the club’s history.

In a match that could’ve been more lopsided had the McDonalds Reds taken their chances, it was a single strike by Dom Swinton on 53 minutes that separated the sides.

It was more than deserved by Ballarat after having the majority of play throughout the match, who then bravely fought off City’s advances on goal.

The crucial victory keeps the Reds in second position, one point clear of third-placed Moreland Zebras on the table with just three rounds to go.

Ballarat showed no ill-effects due to the absence of coach James Robinson, who is overseas this week, almost scoring within the opening 30 seconds.

Dechlan Picken almost opened the account in the first minute after successfully lobbing opposition keeper Thomas Howard-Belle, only for the ball to be cleared off the line by the City defenders.

The chances continued to present themselves for Ballarat, with Michael Trigger dragging one wide and Dom Swinton missing two other relatively comfortable chances before half time.

Liam Harding was standing out as the best player throughout the midfield, while gloveman Aaron Romein made a number of telling saves.

It was early in the second half when Picken cut off an opposition pass before calmly and unselfishly setting up Swinton for the easiest of goals.

As the contest heated up after that point, a number of yellow cards were issued, including cautions to Picken, Harding and Aaron Romein.

Ballarat is now just three points off the top of the table, with league leader Bulleen Lions to meet sixth-placed St Albans Saints on Monday night.

The Reds face Box Hill (fifth in the east), Bulleen (first in the west) and Moreland Zebras (third in the west) in the final three rounds.

They have won seven out of their last eight matches.