Altona East Phoenix has ripped up the form guide to breathe new life into its Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 north-west season.
Pundits were asking how the Phoenix could recover after conceding nine goals and scoring one in its previous two matches, including an embarrassing 6-1 loss to Sydenham Park last start.
Phoenix president Jim Dimitriou insisted the prior 180 minutes were an aberration and the newly constructed team was still a work in progress. He backed coach Brian Sweeney and his players to turn things around.
But few would have expected that progress to come as swiftly as it did, in a 2-1 win over Keilor Park on a tough trip to Keilor Park Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
“Keilor Park, on their day, can beat anyone, especially on their home ground,” Dimitriou told Star Weekly.
“They’re not an easy team to beat, but we had something to prove. We didn’t think we’re a 6-1 side. We might not be championship contenders, but we think we’re good enough to finish at least mid-table or higher.”
The Phoenix were comfortable for most of the 90 minutes against Keilor Park.
The team achieved scoreboard supremacy with the aid of an own goal after an exquisite Nathan Jones corner was inadvertently headed in by a Keilor Park defender.
The Phoenix doubled its lead after the break when Liam Francis stepped up to score from the penalty spot. The referee was given no choice but to point to the spot after Garth Richards was brought down in the box.
Keilor Park might have been down, but it wasn’t out.
The Parkers halved the deficit to make for a nervous final 10 minutes for the Phoenix.
“The referee played four or five minutes’ stoppage time and we were really sweating on it,” Dimitriou said.
“A lot of the supporters were whistling and saying, ‘C’mon ref, that’s time’. After being 2-0 up for long periods, we didn’t want to throw it away. They had us under a bit of pressure in the last five minutes, but we held on.”
Versatile young defender Aaron Sweeney, having formed a strong central defensive pairing with Orhan Kara, was again best-afield.
“They both did a good job, both had good games,” Dimitriou said.
“I thought Aaron was probably the best player for us. We’ve played in four games now and he’s played in three different positions – right back, right midfield and now as a central defender – so he’s been important for us.”
Phoenix faces a major test against in-form North Sunshine Eagles at Paisley Park on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Altona Magic recovered from its mid-week FFA Cup exit at the hands of South Melbourne to post a 1-0 win over Yarraville Glory.
The Magic is yet to drop a point this season and has moved three games clear on top of the ladder.
In state league 2 north-west, Altona City went down 1-0 to Hoppers Crossing at Kim Reserve.
City would be sick of the sight of Hoppers, having finished second in the state league 3 title race to that side last season and losing their past three matches against them by single goals.
FC Williamstown climbed to third in state league 3 north-west with a confident 3-0 win over Western Eagles on the road at the Polish Sports and Recreation Centre, while Melbourne City fell to fourth with a 1-1 draw at home to Whittlesea United.
In state league 4 west, Maribyrnong Greens’ rocky start continued with a 4-1 loss to Point Cook at Skinner Reserve, while Altona North went down 2-1 to Truganina at Arndell Park Reserve.
Laverton Park still clings to top spot in state league 5 west after its 1-1 draw with Keilor Wolves.
