Altona Magic rode its luck en route to a 1-0 win over Sydenham Park in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 at Keilor Lodge Reserve on Saturday.
It took a thunderbolt goal from Magic striker Adamson Ajayi late in the second half to break the dead-lock of a game that seemed destined to end in a scoreless draw.
While both sides had their chances, it was Sydenham Park which threatened the most late on, but it had a spectacular scissor-kick goal from
Matthew Sesay ruled out for offside and another powerful shot from Jayden Rojaswas adjudged to have been saved by Magic goalkeeper Michael Stark.
Altona’s victory means it’s eight points clear on top of the ladder. The Magic could have one hand on the title if they can beat second-placed North Sunshine Eagles in a first-versus-second showdown at Larissa Reserve on Saturday.
Yarraville Glory rejoiced after a 3-0 win over Westgate at McIvor Reserve. Kazuki Okada, Kojo Brown and Akira Koizumi found the back of the net for the Glory, who moved five points clear of the relegation places.
There was little to smile about for Altona East Phoenix on its return to Paisley Park, going down 3-0 to Banyule City. The Phoenix has not scored in its past three matches and remains two points clear on the bottom of the ladder.
Altona City impressed in a 3-1 win over Cairnlea in men’s state league 2 on the road at Cairnlea Park.
Captain Matthew Gray, Marcus Sherif and Lucas Wootton all scored for City. Sherif notched his 10th goal of the league campaign.
Altona City, who host Essendon United on Saturday night, remains in second spot, just one point behind ladder rivals Hoppers Crossing.
Williamstown’s title hopes in the men’s state league 3 have hit a snag. The Blues went down 2-1 to Sunbury United on Saturday and have picked up just one point in three games to fall to sixth on the ladder.
Melbourne City was no match for Brimbank Stallions, who won 7-2 at Edwards Reserve.
Altona North claimed a 2-1 win over North Melbourne Athletics in a competitive men’s state league 4 game at Ron Barassi Snr Reserve.
In men’s state league 5 Laverton Park had a 1-1 draw with Keilor Wolves, while Maribyrnong Greens edged out Melbourne Lions 1-0 and Maidstone United lost 3-0 to Lara United.
In women’s state league 2, Yarraville Glory played out an entertaining 3-3 with Watsonia Heights at Elder Street Reserve.
Maidstone United could be proud of its efforts to gain a point in a 1-1 draw with first placed South Melbourne at Henry Scott Oval.
Maribyrnong Swifts scored a goal in each half through Melissa Casha and Anna Strempel to beat Yarra Jets 2-0 at Fairfield Park.
