ALTONA Magic has produced some eye-catching play in this young Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 season, but on Sunday it was all about grinding out a result.
The Magic was on the back foot for large parts of the 90 minutes against the Fawkner Blues but was still able to come away with a gutsy 1-0 victory at Paisley Park.
Magic football operations manager Rubin Todorovski said his side’s three consecutive victories to start the season had all come under different circumstances.
“It shows the character of the boys that we’ve won three games and all three have been different,” he said.
“They have showed how they can adapt to different situations. The boys didn’t play 100 per cent to their ability today, but it’s good when you don’t play well and you still win.”
The opening 45 minutes could have turned ugly for the Magic had it not been for its goalkeeper Max Tommy.
The Blues’ strike force was able to penetrate a usually dependable Magic back four that has conceded just twice in 270 minutes.
Tommy was forced to make three spectacular one-on-one saves before half-time to let his defenders off the hook.
“Maxy stood tall for us in the goal,” Todorovski said.
“They had three clear chances and all were one-on-ones with the goalkeeper.
“For him to stand tall and deny them, it kept us in the game going into half-time nil-all.”
The Magic continued to absorb pressure in the second half, but the longer the game wore on the less frequent the Blues’ ventures into their back third became.
Then came the dagger for the visitors, a defensive error allowing speedy Magic youngster Stevce Dimcevski to pounce and beat the goalkeeper one-on-one in the 77th minute.
It was all the Magic needed to move to the top of the league.
Dimcevski, who is enjoying extended minutes on the park under new coach Pece Stojeski, couldn’t contain his delight.
“He’s very composed when he gets into those one-on-ones,” Todorovski said.
“Last year he was used a lot as a sub, but this year the coach has given him a little bit more game time.
“After he did score, he actually ran to the coach and gave him a hug. I think it was a bit of a thank you.”
Attacking midfielder Melvin Becket was again the Magic’s most influential out-field player. The former Melbourne Victory youth player has been nigh on impossible to stop in the early rounds.
“He dominated in patches in the midfield,” Todorovski said. “He made the incisive decisions and runs.”
The league-leading Magic will visit third-placed Heidelberg United on Sunday in its toughest test to date.
