Winch can't turn the Ballarat Red Devils' ways

19 Apr, 2010 11:48 PM

A GOAL on debut for English recruit Sam Winch was not enough to secure all three points for Ballarat as they drew one-all with Sydenham Park in round two of Football Federation Victoria state league two competition on Saturday.

The Haymes Red Devils wasted chances in the final 30 minutes of the match, to claim just one point despite dominating possession.

The Reds got their goal when a move down the left by Dom Swinton found Josh Romein, whose pass found Leigh Sissons on the left flank.

Sissons coolly went round his defender before finding Winch with a pass.

Winch then found the back of the net, sparking some aerobatic celebrations from the Englishman.

"We did all the right things in the first half that we talked about,'' Ballarat coach Dale Harris said.

"Pressure, movement and pace in the attacks. We ticked all the boxes and that was very pleasing.''

On 57 minutes, however, a cross from the right found the head of the Park centre-forward for his only chance of the match and he put his header right in the corner.

For the last 30 minutes the match was almost totally played in Sydenham's half.

The Reds almost retook the lead on 69 minutes when a through ball from Sam Muscat was just a fraction long for Winch, and although Winch managed at full stretch to get a touch on the ball the keeper saved with his legs.

Aaron Romein then made his only save in the second half when he got down well to save a free kick from 25 yards.

"I was pleased with the way we played today and really controlled most of the match and a big amount of the second half, but I am gutted about the result,'' Harris said.

"We need to learn and learn fast to punish teams when we have them on the ropes. It was a big improvement from the week before and we have shown what level of play we can play at. We must play to that standard every week.''

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/general/winch-cant-turn-the-ballarat-red-devils-ways/1807138.aspx