The win came at a hefty price, with the Strikers having two players sent off, including Ventieri who was controversially booked for not releasing the ball while taking a throw-in.

In the Foxtel Cup, Frankston Pines suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of league leaders and former national league champions Melbourne Knights on Sunday night.

Langwarrin continued to edge its way off the bottom of the State League division 1 table after taking a point in its 0-0 draw with the in-form Southern Stars.

Seaford continued its march towards promotion in the Provisional League South-East Division 3

competition with its 2-1 win over Endeavour Hills. The Tigers now trail Old Carey by two points.

In the Provisional South-East Division 2, Mornington's run of form came to an abrupt end with its 3-1 loss to Caulfield.

The Strikers were 0-0 at half time and played most of the first half with 10 men after the referee red-carded Steve Vernan for an alleged retaliation.

Coach George Hughes, needing a win to keep his teams hopes of avoiding relegation alive, was forced to take a punt by not reducing his strikers. He covered the deficit in the midfield and it paid off.

Strikers took the early lead into the second half when new signing from Southern Stars, Derek Chisolm, drove a free kick through the Waverley wall.

He laid an incisive diagonal ball through to Ventieri, who slotted well from close range prior to his perplexing send-off.

Hughes was obviously pleased with the result but disappointed at having to meet the runaway league leaders Northcote away this week without his two chargers.

Pines coach Doug Hodgson had mixed feelings about his side's loss.

He singled out star midfielder Adam Fadljevic for being sent off in the first half for retaliation as with his two other chargers, Craig Metcalfe and Danny Miller, both valuable contributors, who are currently under suspension.