It was a Saturday of wildly contrasting emotions for Altona Magic, but ultimately nothing changed from the start of the day until the end.
The Magic maintained its five-point gap over second-placed Geelong, who have a game in hand, in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 standings.
All the Magic could wish for at day’s end was to have their title and promotion destiny in their own hands.
That scenario was looking a tad bleak at 5pm, having been left frustrated in a nil-all draw with Keilor Park on the road at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
The Magic huffed and they puffed, but could not find a way past Keilor Park goalkeeper Chris Tsonis.
For 30 minutes at least, the Magic ceded control of their own destiny, having to wait for what damage may come when second-placed Geelong squared off with Sydenham Park in the 5.30pm kick-off.
It wasn’t as bad as advertised for the Magic, with Sydenham Park doing them a favour and drawing 2-2 with Geelong.
It could be a significant result in the title race. It means that should Altona win its last two games, it will get its hands on the title, and, more importantly, be promoted to the National Premier League.
Geelong will play its catch-up game against Altona East Phoenix at Paisley Park on Saturday. It’s a last chance saloon for the Phoenix, who could be relegated if they don’t snare all three points.
The Phoenix went down 2-0 to third-last Yarraville Glory at home on Saturday. The Glory are likely safe, but can put their survival beyond doubt with a draw in one of their last two games.
In men’s state league 2, Altona City defended its spot at the top of the ladder with a 4-1 win over Westvale at Kim Reserve. Ayodeji Omoboye scored a double for City, taking his tally to 14 for the campaign.
In men’s state league 3, Williamstown produced one of the most outrageous scorelines of the season, beating Melbourne City 19-0 in the local derby.
Bobby Lojanica scored 10 goals in an incredible display, there was a hat-trick for Craig Moss and doubles for Aleksandar Dimitrijevic and Alex Vlassis.
In men’s state league 4, Altona North had its best win of the season, sending Sebastopol Vikings hurtling from the top of the ladder in a 3-2 win at Duane Reserve, while in state league 5, Laverton Park, sparked by four goals from former NSL striker Juan Nilo, secured promotion with a 5-0 blitz over Melbourne Lions.
