By Lance Jenkinson
No matter what the result, Altona City and the local community is always a winner on the club’s final day of the Football Federation Victoria season.
City sets aside the final round match each year to hold its beyondblue day, which raises funds and awareness for the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting good mental health.
Last Saturday, City finished the season with a 4-1 loss to North Sunshine Eagles at Kim Reserve on Saturday.
Altona City will likely look back on a positive season in which it consolidated its place in state league 1 for another year.
City finished the year in ninth place, seven points clear of the relegation zone – a nice building block for the future.
Yarraville Glory enjoyed a better end to the season. The Glory had it all its own way in a 6-1 pumping of Western Suburbs on the road at Ralph Reserve.
Coach Paul Donnelly came in mid-season, taking over a team that had been flirting with the relegation zone, and steered the Glory to safety.
In state league 2, Altona East Phoenix sunk to a 3-0 final-round loss to Westgate at Ardeer Reserve. The Phoenix stayed clear of the relegation zone by six points.
Williamstown played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Fawkner at Gray Reserve.
In state league 4, Altona North is heading for the promotion play-offs.
North needed only a point in the final round to wrap up second spot, but went one better with a 3-2 win over North Melbourne Athletic at Duane Reserve.
North will face Craigieburn City in the play-offs at Grange Reserve in Hoppers Crossing on Saturday from 1pm.
Melbourne City was relegated after a 3-1 loss to Western Eagles, while seventh-placed Laverton lost 2-1 to Spring Hills.
In state league 5, Maidstone United went down 3-1 to Moonee Valley Knights, while Maribyrnong Greens and Barwon had a 0-0 draw.
In women’s competition, Maidstone United will be fighting for state league 2 survival when it meets second-placed state league 3 side St Albans Saints in the promotion play-offs at Knox Regional Football Centre on Sunday.
