Ballarat Red Devils go down to Moreland City

13 Apr, 2010 11:13 AM

THE lack of a top notch forward proved the difference as the Ballarat Red Devils were defeated by a well-drilled Moreland City team 0-2 in the opening round of the State League Two season at Trekardo Park on Saturday.

The Haymes Ballarat Red Devils passed the ball nicely and made some promising runs, but it was the final ball, cross or finish that had the Reds coaching staff unhappy.

The ball movement and position play of the Reds caused City problems, but there was too much sideways and backward movement to really do a lot of damage.

At the back, first gamer Charlie King, along with Michael Leslie and Tristan Romein, looked in control for most of the match.

But Sam Muscat and Josh Romein struggled to get into the game fully.

Will Georgiou had the first real chance on 19 minutes but his shot from the top of the box lacked real power and was saved.

Aaron Romein made a couple of smart saves on the 30-minute mark, but was caught out badly when a free-kick from all of 45 yards floated over his head and into the back of the net for the opener on 35 minutes.

Ballarat had a chance to draw level straight away when Leigh Sissons made his way past three challenges and into the box but Paul McClounan's subsequent header was saved at full length low down.

After the break Ballarat again passed the ball well but it was City that went two up on 63 minutes after a 25-yard drive went over the out-stretched hands of Romein in the Reds goal.

One minute later, Sam Muscat could have scored but his long range effort hit the crossbar.

Sissons then had a one-on-one with the keeper that he should have scored from, but the City number one again saved, this time with his feet.

With the Reds pushing forward, City nearly made it three but hit the post.

Reds' boss Dale Harris was left fuming at the lack of composure in front of goals.

"The players weren't using their own initiative. Many of the debutants looked nervous on the ball but must realise very quickly they have to lift up their game if they want to be in the starting eleven,'' he said.

"I believe in the players and they have a great opportunity and must grab it with both hands because a lack of experience is not an excuse anymore.

"The challenge now is seeing how the players respond to the loss and I will be using this opportunity to challenge the players this week at training. The players need to show me that they belong in the starting eleven."

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/ballarat-red-devils-go-down-to-moreland-city/1800875.aspx