Darley rode its luck on the way to a thrilling win against Melton in the Ballarat Football League top of the table clash.
Having played out a thriller back in round one, there was even less separating the two teams this time run.
The Devils led throughout the first half, before the Bloods responded to take a one point lead into the final break.
The match would go down to the final siren with the Bloods missing a goal in the final 20 seconds.
It would allow the Devils to hold on and win, 12.7 (79)-11.10 (76).
Devils coach Dan Jordan said they would take the win.
“We didn’t play that great of footy in the second half to be honest,” he said. “We hung around and kept in the game when they headed us.
“We got a couple of fortunate breaks late. We were a bit lucky, but we will take it.”
Jordan said there were plenty of nerves in the last minute of the game when the Bloods had the opportunity to win the game.
He said they threw everyone behind the ball after they hit the front through Luther Baker.
“They had a shot with 20 seconds left,” he said. “We had hit the front with a minute to go.
“They were able to get a big grab in the goal square out of the pack.
“It was at a 45 degree angle and 10 metres out. It was a nervous kick [that missed].
“We were fortunate.”
Andrew Azzopardi kicked four goals for the Devils and was named their best.
Billy Myers and Nick Hind were other standouts for the Devils.
Ryan Davis and Kyle Borg were the best for the Bloods.
Having now beaten the Bloods, the only team that has beaten them this season, Jordan said he felt they had progressed.
“I thought we were a better side than round one,” he said. “We had a few out but so did they [Melton].
“We didn’t play our best footy but we were still able to get the result. We knew it wouldn’t be easy and it would go down to the wire.
“We still have plenty of work to do.”
The last three weeks the Devils have beaten the other sides sitting in the top four.
The Devils now sit a game clear on top of the ladder.
Jordan said they targeted that part of the season and to come away with wins against the three of them they were pretty happy.
There is a bye this Saturday with interleague.
Jordan said it had come at a good time for them and they would use it to rest and reflect ahead of the back third of the season.
In other matches, Bacchus Marsh beat Lake Wendouree, 23.14 (152)-5.5 (35).
Jake Owen kicked 11 goals in a best on ground performance in his 100th game for the club.
The Cobras are now in fifth spot.
