Altona Magic has clawed its way back to the National Premier League 2 west summit.
The Magic was back to their menacing best in a 4-1 mauling of Melbourne City at Paisley Park on Saturday evening.
Goran Lozanovski’s team returned to top spot after ladder leader Moreland Zebras suffered a shock loss to neighbours Moreland City in a local derby.
Altona had no such trouble, powering to a commanding win on the back of a second half goal blitz.
The Magic took the lead through Jon McShane in the 21st minute, but Yasin Nur found an equaliser nine minutes later.
It was all Altona in the second half as it piled on three unanswered goals through Ben Litfin, Melvin Becket and David Trajanoski.
The Magic celebrated their second consecutive win and third in the past four games. It went some way to erasing the disappointment of their FFA Cup exit mid-week.
The Magic missed out on the national round of 32 after losing 2-0 to Northcote City at Paisley Park on Wednesday night.
Skipper Danny Dixon scored both of Northcote’s goals.
Altona’s sole focus will turn to the NPL 2 west, where they will be striving for promotion.
The Magic will square off with Werribee City in a western suburbs derby at Galvin Park Reserve on Sunday.
In men’s state league 1, Altona City had to be content with a 1-1 draw at home to FC Clifton Hill. Zac Thompson scored City’s goal.
Yarraville Glory remains stuck on the bottom of the table following a 2-1 loss to Essendon Royals.
Altona East Phoenix came out on the wrong end of a 4-2 game against Mill Park in men’s state league 2. The Phoenix is winless in four games and down in fourth-last spot.
Williamstown had a disappointing 1-0 loss to Upfield, leaving it in the bottom half of the men’s state league 3 ladder.
Altona North pipped Golden Plains 1-0 after a late Tony Saric goal, while Melbourne City was thrashed 8-0 by Bell Park.
In women’s state league 3, Altona Magic brought down Greenvale United in a 3-1 win.
Altona City also toppled Spring Hills 2-1. Alexandra Miller and Siobhan Sweeney were the goalkickers.
Maribyrnong Swifts were no match for Point Cook, losing 7-0.
