UNBEATEN during a seven-game sequence through April and May, the Ballarat Red Devils have quickly slipped to back-to-back defeats.
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The Reds, fronting from a 1-0 loss against Moreland Zebras the weekend before, were beaten 3-1 by Kingston City under lights at Morshead Park on Sunday.
Two goals in the first half saw the visiting side take a 2-0 lead into the break, before Pat Karras breathed some life into Ballarat’s chances with a goal mid-way through the second half.
However, it proved as close as the hosts got to the Kingston City boys, which netted a sealer in stoppage time. This came on the back of some late pressure from the Reds, which were undone by their efforts to clinch an equaliser.
Ballarat manager James Robinson said Karras’ conversion was a “fantastic team goal” but remained disappointed by the end result.
“To be honest, I can’t really take any enjoyment because it’s losing,” Robinson told The Courier after the full time whistle.
“I’m really disappointed. We prepared really well, we had an extra session this week.
“Anybody can beat anybody in these leagues. The key is consistency – consistency with what you do and who can do it for as long as possible.”
Robinson said Nelson Salvatore was a standout for the Ballarat side.
“He was really good. His movement... he was getting on the ball, threatening,” he said.
Robinson also praised Karras, who he said was given a more forward role on Sunday.
“He’s a goal scorer. Even though he has scored three from playing at the back, it was good for him to get back into the role,” he said.
In a boost, the experienced Liam Harding and Daniel Firth returned to the Ballarat team.
Harding came on for Firth early in the second half, with the Reds’ other substitution seeing Jake Francis replace Brandon Lauton.
Kingston City is second on the National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 east table, while Ballarat is sixth in west division standings.
The Reds have a shorter than usual turnaround this week, with just five days to recover before next Saturday’s home clash with Springvale White Eagles.
Springvale is situated around the middle of the east table and will head to Ballarat on the back of a 3-0 win at the weekend.
Following that fixture, the Reds hit the road for a difficult stretch of three-straight away fixtures.