Tara Murray
Altona East Phoenix showed some new found maturity in its win against Moreland United in the FV state league 2 north-west competition.
While at different ends of the table, the Phoenix fighting for promotion and Moreland at the bottom of the table, the match turned out to be a close one.
For Phoenix coach Terry Antoniadis the 1-0 win showed how far the group had come.
Theo Markelis scored the winner in the 55th minute.
“Twelve months ago we would not have won that game,” he said. “It showed the maturity of the group.
“It was a tough game in tough conditions. It was wet at times and the pitch was bumpy and the grass was long.
“It was hard to play free flowing football. We still managed to control the game while there weren’t many scoring opportunities. We had most of them.”
Antoniadis said he had been impressed with how the group had developed this season and they were getting better year on year.
He said no matter what happens this year, things are looking bright for the future.
“We’re developing the right way,” he said. “ We’re growing in confidence and looking to the future.
“Not just the next three weeks, but 2023 and beyond.”
The next three weeks will be season defining for the Phoenix.
The Phoenix sit third on 37 points, one of four teams still aiming for two promotion spots.
Second placed Mill Park and the Phoenix are separated on goal difference, while Westgate is a further point back, but has a game in hand.
Upfield sits seven points clear on top.
Antoniadis said it will be a big few weeks for the club. He said the vibe around the club was really positive.
“It’s nice to still be in the mix,” he said. “We want to have a good last three weeks and hopefully finish in one of the top two spots.
“We have three tough opponents with everyone still having something to play for. I’m super proud of the players and the group efforts so far.
“In the back of my mind there’s still so much work still to be done. We’ll stay positive and hopefully we get promoted if things fall our way.”
The Phoenix face Western Suburbs this Saturday. Antoniadis played both juniors and seniors at the club as well as a couple of stints as coach.
He said while he has a lot of respect for the club, it’s all business once the first whistle blows.
