BALLARAT Red Devils aren’t focusing on promotion, but there is certainly the belief it can happen, according to coach James Robinson.
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With just six rounds remaining in the National Premier Leagues Victoria 1 west season, the Reds are just four premiership points off second spot, which would grant them a promotion playoff game.
And a win against Springvale White Eagles this week could easily have them within one point of the coveted second spot.
The McDonalds Reds are in a rich vein of form at the moment, in the midst of an undefeated streak that stretches back seven games to round 16.
Robinson said nothing would change within his side in the run home, despite promotion being within touching distance.
“All you can do is keep on carrying on,” he said.
“On any path you need to know where the destination is, but you don’t change the principle of how you’re getting to the destination.”
They will make the long journey to face east division side Springvale for the first time on Saturday, who have had their fair share of difficulties this year.
Springvale has won just the four matches from its 21 starts this year, currently sitting in second last spot on the table in the eastern conference.
However, Robinson was more than wary of the challenges his side faced on the long road trip.
“They play a really good, tough brand of football,” he said.
“Saying that, we’ve been really good with our away form lately so we go in with a fair bit of confidence.”
Striker Simon Murphy will be out of action after sustaining an injury at training during the week, while defender Daniel Firth will be unavailable.
Despite losing two experienced players, Robinson said he had tremendous faith in his younger brigade.
“The strength of your squad is very much about the starting 11, but having depth throughout the whole 25 is just as important,” he said.
“It’s games like this where we might play a few younger guys and they end up gaining a lot of experience out of it.”
Moreland Zebras, which currently sits four points ahead of the Reds in second position, go in underdogs as eastern conference leaders Melbourne Victory, opening the door for Ballarat to make some ground with a victory.
Third placed St Albans Saints, which is just one point clear of the Reds, will go in as favourites to Murray United.
Ballarat has secured five wins and two draws from its last seven matches.
