By Lance Jenkinson
Altona City embarked on a week of soul searching after reaching its lowest ebb of the Football Victoria men’s state league 1 season.
In the aftermath of a 3-0 loss to Keilor Park that bared no hallmarks of the team’s quality performances so far this season, City coach Andy O’Dell and football director Sam Borg engaged with players as a group and individually to find answers to their rare down week.
The effort had the desired effect for City, which looked more like its usual self in a 4-0 win over Banyule City at Kim Reserve on Saturday night.
“We had a bad week the week before, but the boys put that right this week,” Borg said.
“It was a wake up call. We had to get a few things sorted.”
Altona City was so far away from its usual output seven days earlier that it was fairly easy to pinpoint the issues.
City’s players needed to re-focus on what had got them to an eye-catching five wins in their first six starts.
“The message to the players was not throw the baby out with the bath water – it was more constructive and getting players focused on what their jobs are,” Borg said.
“The issues last week were playing balls in silly areas, our defensive approach and our preparation before the game.
“To their credit, the players turned that around … it was a totally different performance.”
Altona City was in command from the outset against Banyule.
City scored two goals in each half for a comfortable victory that keeps it second on the ladder, two points behind leaders Preston Lions.
Conor Rafferty is the talk of Altona City.
The young striker scored a double against Banyule to make it five goals in his past three games.
Club members are taking delight in seeing a homegrown talent thrive in senior ranks.
“You give him half a chance and he puts it into the back of the net,” Borg said.
Evan Christodoulou, Callum Byrne and David Mwarabu were outstanding in the midfield for Altona City. Christodoulou capped a superb game with a goal, while Domenico Marafioti also found the back of the net.
Altona City will feature in a second-versus-third blockbuster with Sydenham Park at Keilor Lodge Reserve on Saturday.
Yarraville is on a three-game unbeaten run in state league 1. The Glory moved off the bottom of the ladder after a 1-0 win over
FC Clifton Hill at McIvor Reserve on Saturday.
MORE FFV NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-phoenix-switches-it-up-in-search-of-form-reversal/
