By Lance Jenkinson
Newly promoted Altona Magic is yet to find the right potion for a breakthrough win in the National Premier League.
The Magic was disappointed to walk away empty-handed from a 4-3 loss to Melbourne Knights at Knights Stadium on Friday night.
Magic coach Goran Lozanovski is adamant his side deserved at least something after their performance.
“We scored three and missed five sitters, so the game could’ve got messy for the Knights,” he said.
“We probably kept them in the game because we missed those opportunities.”
While Altona’s finishing left a little to be desired, the build-up play for most of the night was spot on. Where the Magic lacked was in defensive concentration.
The Knights pounced on any lapses from the Magic’s defence.
“If you don’t concentrate for 90-plus minutes, you can get punished quite easily,” Lozanovski said.
“Unfortunately we did at the set pieces.
“I think we’re better than that defensively.”
Melbourne Knights were down to 10 men when they scored the winner through AJ Inia.
Inia rose unmarked at the corner to power in the header with only seconds left on the referee’s watch.
“To lose it in the last 30 seconds was shattering,” Lozanvski said.
Michiel Hemmen showed why Altona Magic was keen to get him on board.
The Dutchman worked his way into the game to become a key forward line and even found the back of the net for his first goal for the club.
Lozanovski was also thrilled with the performances of Altona wingers Robert Stambolziev and Sami Nour.
Stambolziev capped a best-on-ground showing with a goal.
Dusan Bosnjak put his round one penalty miss behind him with the Magic’s opening goal.
Troy Ruthven was a commanding presence in the middle of the park.
The Magic has another tough encounter on Saturday evening when it hosts top-of-the-ladder Hume City at Paisley Park.
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