Altona Magic settles into an early groove

01/04/2017. Hobsons Bay Star Weekly. Ffvaltnor. Issue Date 05/04. FFV Mens State League 1. Altona Magic v North Sunshine Eagles. Altona GK Michael Stark.Picture Shawn Smits.

Altona Magic made light work of North Sunshine Eagles in its 3-0 win at Paisley Park Soccer Complex on Saturday evening.

The Magic flexed its offensive muscle in the first half to lead by two goals at half-time, then found an insurance goal in the second half to claim a second victory from as many starts in the new Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 season.

Adamson Ajayi continues to be a menace for opposition teams in front of goal. The Magic marksman scored a double to sink the Eagles, making it three goals in two games.

Ajayi also scored in the Magic’s 8-1 thrashing of North City Wolves in the FFA Cup.

Nikola Markovski scored his first goal in the league for the season. He, too, was on target in the FFA Cup, scoring three goals in two games.

Magic goalkeeper Michael Stark secured a clean sheet.

Now second on the ladder on goal difference, Magic go into Saturday evening’s local derby with Altona East Phoenix full of confidence after two league wins on the trot and four in all competitions.

Yarraville Glory, winners in the first round, were knocked back by an impressive Geelong. The Glory was hammered 4-1 in a home opener, Reuben Agyei Danso’s late goal little consolation – now a tough trip to undefeated Banyule City awaits.

In state league 2, Altona City claimed a solid 3-0 win on the road over Essendon United. Marcus Sherif was a thorn in United’s side with two goals, while David Taylor scored the other.

Fifth-placed City is undefeated with four points in two games, a record to be tested when it faces fourth-ranked Corio away on Saturday.

Melbourne City has had a hellish start to its state league 3 campaign, losing its first two matches, coughing up nine goals and not pinning any. City is rock bottom after Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Epping City.

Williamstown crashed after its seven-goal opening night win, beaten 3-1 on home turf by Whittlesea United on Saturday, while the state league 4 season started badly for Altona North, which had a second consecutive defeat, mauled 6-1 away to Bell Park. Laverton Park may be an early title contender in state league 5, particularly after Saturday’s 6-0 trouncing of Spring Hills.