Tara Murray
Things are starting to fall into place for Altona Magic in the National Premier League competition.
After an ‘ugly’ win the previous round, the Magic was able to come away with the points against Melbourne Knights on Saturday night.
Scores were level at half time before Darcy Anastovski scored for Magic to give it the lead.
It would be the only score of the game, giving the Magic a 1-0 win.
Magic coach Goran Lozanovski said it was a really pleasing performance.
“It was a good win and we’ve now got back-to-back wins,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of clean sheets in a row which has been important.
“We’ve been working towards that the last month and it’s amazing to get that scenario.”
Lozanovski said the most pleasing thing for him was the way that the group went about it. He said they would have liked a couple more goals, but a win is a win.
“That was our best performance this year as a team collectively.”
Lozanovski said the group was hoping that the performances the last two weeks were showing that the side had started to click.
He said there was some more belief in the group as the results have started to come.
“Everyone is understanding their roles,” he said. ”We are starting to execute the game plan for 90 minutes.
“They are getting stronger and fitter. They are a bit more confident and are playing better than before.”
Lozanovski said it was encouraging that they could win in different manners, both ugly and what he said was the perfect game.
The Magic now sit in ninth spot with three wins from its 10 matches. They are eight points outside the top six.
The Magic is back in action on Saturday against Moreland City.
It will be a different challenge for the Magic.
“Moreland City is last and they haven’t won a game yet,” Lozanovski said. “It will be a tough game playing away.
“Hopefully we can make it three in a row.”
Meanwhile, Altona City has had a change of coaches just weeks in the Victorian Premier League 2 competition.
Altona City announced last week on social media that due to unforeseen circumstances, the senior coaching staff and club, led by Michael Calandrella, had parted ways.
On Saturday, Altona City had a 2-1 win against Beaumaris with Jays Ziro and Lochie Smith scoring. The win was Altona’s fourth and it sits in second spot after six rounds.
Altona City is away to Pascoe Vale on Friday night in round seven.
Meanwhile in FV state league 1 north-west, Yarraville Glory got its first win of the season, beating Upfield 3-1.
In state league 2 north-west, Altona East Phoenix lost to Westvale, 5-0, while in state league 3 north-west, Altona North beat Sebastopol Vikings, 5-1, Williamstown drew with Sunbury United 1-1 and Laverton had a 1-1 draw with Diamond Valley United.
