Altona Magic hardly put a foot wrong in a professional 2-0 win over Diamond Valley United in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 at Paisley Park on Saturday.
With top-two sides Western Suburbs and North Sunshine Eagles maintaining a consistently high standard, Magic cannot afford to drop too many points in the run home if they want to remain in the title hunt.
They kept the pressure on the front runners with goals to Cem Cil and Jason Hayne.
The Magic trail first-placed Suburbs by four points, heading into the week’s break.
Altona East Phoenix has been sneaking up the ladder in recent weeks and is suddenly the best of the rest in fourth place after a 2-1 win over Sunbury United at Langama Park on Saturday.
In state league 2, Yarraville Glory defended its second spot with aplomb, beating Fitzroy City 2-1 on the road at Fairfield Park.
Goran Jozeljic scored again for the Glory, making it six in five games since his arrival at the club.
Captain Keith Dunne was the Glory’s other goalscorer.
In state league 3, Williamstown offered a reminder of its promotion intentions, closing to within one point of second-placed Altona City in a thrilling 3-2 win over Geelong Rangers at Myers Reserve.
Marcus Slimane was outstanding for the Blues with two goals, while Alex Vlassis scored the other.
Altona City lost significant ground in the title race after it was shocked 1-0 by the Western Eagles on the road.
City’s loss, coupled with Hoppers Crossing’s win, has opened up a substantial seven-point gap between the sides at the top of the ladder.
In state league 4, Melbourne City is well and truly back in the title hunt, cutting the deficit at the top of the ladder to three points after its hard-fought 2-1 win over Truganina Hornets at Edwards Reserve.
Juan Pablo Raad and Simba Said scored the goals for City in a tougher-than-expected match against a relegation threatened opponent.
Altona North made it two wins on the trot, pipping Keilor Wolves 1-0, with a goal by Adam Whatmore.
Maribyrnong Greens played out a 0-0 draw with Sebastopol Vikings with a point enough to keep them in top spot, while bottom side Laverton Park lost 3-1 to Bell Park.
