Ballarat City FC paid the price for two lapses of concentration in an otherwise encouraging National Premier Leagues cross-conference outing at Morshead Park on Sunday night.
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NPL2 East Vic leader Dandenong City jumped all over chances after just one minute and then again on 68 minutes to secure the points 2-0.
The second goal came after sustained period of pressure by Ballarat, which featured a miss by Pat Karras from point-blank range and a series of other serious scoring opportunities.
Dandenong was physically bigger and stronger, but the younger Ballarat would not be intimidated and led by Michael Trigger, Shaun Romein and Dom Swinton used foot speed to counter.
However, one of the stories of the match was again City FC ‘s inability to finish off several encouraging build-ups with quality shots on goal.
Ballarat did force a handful of saves, but nowhere near the number Josh Dorron had to make.
Former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic was rock solid at the back for Dandenong, with his influence instrumental in the visitors getting the win. He was rarely rushed, with his poise and aerial strength difficult to cope with.
Ballarat City FC has had only one win and a draw in six rounds in the west conference.
It now gets a week off before being away to Moreland City.
Coach Danny Gnjidic made just the one change to his starting line-up, with Shaun Romein returning from suspension at the expense of Jake Francis.