Ballarat Red Devils victory over Langwarrin
GAVIN MCGRATH
22 Feb, 2011 01:00 AM
Ballarat Red Devils have kicked off their 2011 pre-season campaign with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Football Federation Victoria state league one outfit Langwarrin.
Inspired by Irish import Brian Shelley and English recruit Adam Newbold, the Haymes Red Devils scored four goals in the first half to control the match against their higher rated opponents.
Shelley scored on five minutes and Adam Newbold on 26 minutes, while Josh Romein scored twice before half time, from a penalty after 10 minutes and a fine strike with 30 minutes gone on the clock.
A second half free-kick from Alex Antonelli rounded out the scoring for the Red Devils.
"It was a good performance from the players first up," Ballarat coach Joe Fedele said.
"We kept our shape well and worked well as a defensive unit. We created some good chances without giving away too much at the back but at the end of the day it was a pre-season match.
"Results don't mean a thing at this time of year. It's all about the performance. If the performance is there then results should take care of themselves.
"I was happy with the way we played and the intensity from the lads today and hope it provides a base to build ahead of round one match at home against Williamstown.
"We'll work on a few things at training during the week and see if we can improve for next week's game."
The Red Devils started well and could have been in front as early as the third minute.
After Shelley scored from a great give and go with Newbold, it was all one way traffic, though.
Fedele made many changes after the break giving all seven players on the bench good game time.
On Saturday Ballarat will take on FFV state league two south team Eastern Lions, coached by former Socceroo and 1974 World Cup legend Jimmy Rooney at Morshead Park.
The reserves match starts at 2pm followed by the seniors at 4pm.
http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/ballarat-red-devils-victory-over-langwarrin/2082834.aspx