The Navy Blues must leave Werribee with points.

Head coach Danny Gnjidic said obviously a win and three points was the preferred option, but even a point would be something in an away fixture

Ballarat will have the services of Daniel Tinker for the first time this season after an interrupted preparation.

He was an integral member of Gnjidic’s squad last year – one of a handful of players to be involved in all 28 league games.

A round three 2-1 loss to Whittlesea was a missed opportunity for Ballarat.

Gnjidic and his charges were well aware of the danger the Rangers posed, but were unable to stop the visitors finishing over the top of them after allowing a set-play to finish in the back of the net.

So instead of being on equal terms with Altona Magic and North Geelong at the top of table Ballarat finds itself in middle of the pack after three rounds, needing to rebound and build on the promising start it made.

Werribee is at the wrong end of the league as the only team yet to register a premiership point.

Despite this, Werribee’s record is not too bad – scoring in two of its games and not losing by any more than one goal.

Gnjidic said it was not a lack of scoring opportunities that had Ballarat sitting on one win, a draw and a loss.

“We’ve been consistent, but we need make more of out chances.”

BALLARAT City FC’s under-20s have the same record as the senior line-up.

They sit sixth after a 2-all draw with Whittlesea.

While strong up front with nine goals in three games – Jalil Regague and Milosh Basaric each scoring twice – Ballarat has also given up nine goals.

Werribee is ninth with one point.

Ladder: North Geelong 7, Moreland Zebras 6, Sunshine George Cross 6, St Albans3 6, Melbourne Victory 4, Ballarat City 4,   Whittlesea 4, Altona Magic 2, Werribee City 1, Brunswick City 1

BALLARAT City FC meets Green Gully away in the NPL West Vic junior boys on Sunday.