An efficient Melbourne City youth side proved too strong for the Ballarat Red Devils on Saturday afternoon, putting on a clinical display to take home the three points 2-0 at Morshead Park.
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In a free-flowing start to the important fixture, both sides visibly struggled with the slippery conditions of the stadium pitch.
Reds keeper Aaron Romein was lucky to remain on the ground past the first minute after a wayward challenge outside of the box.
The men between the posts were kept busy at both ends of the ground in the opening 20 minutes as Ballarat staged a number of thoughtful attacking manoeuvres, only to find themselves on the end of a City counter-attack.
The pressure would become too much for the hosts in the 24th minute, with a well-executed through ball being converted to open the scoring.
From there the talented young squad began to pepper the Ballarat goals, with a number of excellent saves from Romein ensuring the home side remained in striking distance at the half.
The Reds hit the pitch with a greater sense of composure following the restart, and immediately began to cause headaches for the City defence.
Michael Trigger looked dangerous when trying to set up teammates in the front third, while Daniel Tinker continued to make creative runs down the wing.
But despite the promising offensive work, coupled with a rock-solid effort from Romein in goals, the pressure became too much in the 71st minute as the visitors found a gap in the defence to double their lead.
The Reds’ frustration became obvious as they searched for a breakthrough with veteran Shaun Romein unleashing a tirade at a teammate late in the contest.
The result all-but rules out any remaining hopes of promotion for the Reds, who sit in sixth with just eight wins from their 22 outings. Meanwhile, a glimour of hope remains for the young City side who are still in contention for a top-two finish on the National Premier Leagues Two West ladder.
Ballarat coach James Robinson said while both sides had their chances, his charges were beaten by a clinical outfit who took advantage of small mistakes.
“Aaron made some really good, critical saves, but at the end of the day they were clinical in their finishing and passing, they were clinical all over the park in their movement, and that’s what it comes down to.
“Sometimes you’ve got to hold you’re hands up and say that’s where we want to be.”
The Ballarat outfit will take confidence from Charlie King’s 75 minute effort after returning from a hamstring injury.
However, the absence of Paul George for a second week through an ankle problem was again notable as the Reds lacked some composure in front of goals.
They will be hoping for a stronger showing next week when they face a greatly-improved Sunshine George Cross side away from home.