FFV: Altona Magic conjures up some survival instinct

Altona Magic refuses to be killed off in the race for survival in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 north-west.

The Magic mauled Sunbury United 3-0 at the Paisley Park Soccer Complex on Saturday night to move to within a point of safety with two games left in the season.

Only four points separates teams six through to 11 on the ladder and all can be sucked into the trap door.

The Magic has 22 points, just one behind Sunbury and Altona East Phoenix.

The penultimate round will see the Magic face Western Suburbs under lights in a critical game at Ardeer Reserve on Friday night.

The Phoenix lost 3-2 to the Fawkner Blues so will be desperate to claim all three points in its final home match of the season, against Sydenham Park on Saturday, with an away clash against ladder-leader Preston following on the last weekend of the season.

In state league 2 north-west, Yarraville Glory is three points back from the promotion places with two games to go. The Glory continued its stalking of the top two with a 3-1 triumph over Moreland United.

Glory will be looking to get the job done against Banyule City away on Saturday and hope for a rare slip-up from North Sunshine Eagles and Corio.

In state league 3 north-west, Williamstown’s resurrection in the second half of the season continued with a 2-1 road win over Lalor United, lifting the Blues out of the relegation positions.

The Blues face the toughest test of their season when they host ladder-leader Essendon Royals at Gray Reserve on Saturday.

Altona City’s promotion hopes took a blow with a 2-1 loss to Geelong Rangers.

In state league 4, Melbourne City has earned promotion after a stirring 3-2 win over Melton Phoenix on the road on Saturday night.