Ballarat City senior football director Andrew Burgess said there was between 2000 and 2500 fans walk through the gates in an outstanding showing for soccer in Ballarat.

Those who showed up were not let down by the soccer either. An entertaining spectacle saw four goals scored and some top-class passages of play. While neither side was at absolute full strength, there was plenty of talent on the pitch.

One of which was Ballarat boy and Melbourne Victory midfielder Stefan Nigro.

Nigro said returning to play in his home town held some extra meaning to him. The 21-year-old playing a full game and working on his craft as a left back before drifting into the midfield.

Nigro praised the work Ballarat has done to develop such a facility and said many of his teammates commented on how outstanding the pitch was.

“Obviously being from Ballarat, it was great being back, seeing some familiar faces and playing against a good, quality side like Brisbane, even though it’s pre-season it’s valuable,” Nigro said.

“This facility was built after I had already left…(but it still) brings back a lot of memories, credit to the Ballarat community, Ballarat City and the council – to have two big A-League clubs on a wonderful pitch (is great).

“Everyone was commenting on it. They were surprised at how good it actually was, compared to some of the pitches we played on in the FFA Cup.”

Nigro hoped to see Ballarat host regular home and away A-League fixtures in the future and gave his backing to the facility.

“Ballarat’s taken a big step forward in the last five years or so and hopefully one day will get to host a competitive A-League match.”

After being knocked out of the FFA Cup by Adelaide United 3-0 last Wednesday, Nigro said the group was eager to regain some form and intensity on the pitch – which it did.

“We were disappointed with how we went against Adelaide, losing 3-0, we wanted to see a reaction tonight and I think we showed that. 

“I think our attitude was spot on tonight.”

Nigro paid credit to his coaches for their work with himself and the group.

“There’s always things you can improve on, that’s the beauty of having such good coaches.

“As a young footballer, to take your game to the next level it’s always the minor details you have to improve on and I’m glad they give me that feedback up front. Coaches are there to make you better, they’re not there to say “oh, well done”, you’ve got to be your own harshest critic. At the end of the day they can see things that unfold in a game that you can’t.”

Burgess was rapt with the turnout. After selling around 1500 tickets, to break the 2000-mark was pleasing.

Friday night was the latest instalment of Ballarat showcasing high-class soccer extremely well, Burgess said the next step was to build on this momentum.

“We were pretty happy with that turnout, the weather was kind and the crowd got to see some really quality football,” Burgess said.

“The aim is to try and get A-League games for points in Ballarat or build-up through an FFA game again.

“For us, that’s the next step, to bring not just a practice game into the town, but actually a full points game and showcase that.”

Burgess thanked both Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar for its support.

“It’s important for these games to happen. I can’t speak highly enough of Melbourne Victory and Brisbane’s commitment to come and do it.”

Victory scored the opening goal after 14 minutes, Besart Berisha scoring the first of his two goals. Just five minutes later Jai Ingham found the back of the net after a beautiful cross from Mitch Austin.

Roar’s Peter Skapetis hit the scorecard following a slice of good fortune. A shot from long range took a heavy deflection off a Victory boot, leaving goal-keeper Lawrence Thomas stranded, the ball sailed into goal to make it 2-1 after 31 minutes.

Berisha scored in the 66th minute to move Victory to a 3-1 lead. Brisbane pressed in the latter stages, earning a number of corners and dangerous free-kicks as Victory looked to hold onto its two-goal buffer. Roar were unable to convert any of its chances, Victory taking home a 3-1 win as it continues its preparations for the A-League season, starting early-October.