Manager Danny Gnjidic and his men gained a vital three points with a 1-0 win over Werribee City last weekend and can give themselves more breathing space from the relegation zone with success at Epping Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

But wins away from home haven’t been a regular occurrence for Ballarat this season, with City’s one and only triumph on foreign soil coming way back in round two against St Albans Saints.

Since then, the team has gone winless from its past eight road trips.

“The performances have been okay away from home – last time out against Whittlesea we were disappointing – but we need a win away from home and to keep the gap between us and Sunshine George Cross at arm’s length,” Gnjidic told The Courier.

City holds a six-point margin on Sunshine George Cross, which occupies the National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 west relegation position.

The two sides will meet in round 25.

Veteran Josh Romein made his long-awaited return to the Ballarat senior side last weekend and will start again in the clash with Melbourne Victory.

After that encounter, Ballarat must make the long trip to Wodonga to tackle Murray United the following Saturday.