Altona Magic came out of a mid-March flat patch in fairly decent shape.
The newly-promoted Magic remains just three points off top spot after its opening six National Premier League 2 west games.
Magic coach Goran Lozanovski was pleased with how his team responded in the final game before Easter, a 2-1 win over Whittlesea Ranges at Epping Stadium, that followed a mini-slump of back-to-back losses to North Geelong Warriors and Brunswick City.
“Even one loss, too many for me,” Lozanovski said. “Having said that, we had a pretty average couple of weeks before the Whittlesea Ranges win, so it was good to turn it around and still be a game off top.
“If you had’ve asked me before the season before we kicked a ball, I would’ve been happy to be sitting on 10 points and in the position we’re in at this point in the season.”
The Magic banged in nine goals in a game against Sunshine George Cross, but has scored five in its five other matches.
But Lozanovski is not concerned by the lack of goals outside the Georgies game.
“I think bar the Brunswick City game where we were pretty poor in the front third, the rest of the games we’re still creating enough chances to score goals,” he said. “At the moment, I’m quite content and I think we’re creating enough opportunities to win games.”
Altona’s undoubted strength so far has been its rock-solid defence.
The Magic has conceded just six goals, making it the second best defence in the league.
A major reason is the form of goalkeeper Rani Dowisha, a recruit from Green Gully Cavaliers who has kept Magic’s injury-hit, promotion-winning goalkeeper Michael Stark out of a spot.
Dowisha delighted Magic fans when he kept out a penalty in the victory over Whittlesea.
“I’m quite fortunate to have two good goalkeepers competing for the spot,” Lozanovski said. “It’s keeping Rani on his toes. Rani’s got full NPL experience and he’s showing it at the moment, which is good to see. He’s been doing a great job in goals.”
Altona’s back four – captain John Stojcevski and Lirim Elmazi out wide and Jordan Wilkes and Mark Pistininzi centrally – is working well as a unit. Stojcevski has been the more adventurous, overlapping from left back to join the attack, but without neglecting his defensive responsibilities.
Elmazi is a youngster who has shown growing maturity since late last season, while Pistininzi is an experienced campaigner from Pascoe Vale and a tough nut to crack.
Wilkes was a bonus pick-up on the eve of the season who has showed a hunger to keep his place.
Just as important to the function of the defence is defensive midfielder Troy Ruthven, who provides additional cover.
Altona will return fresh from a nine-day break for a clash with Ballarat City at Paisley Park on Saturday night.
Lozanovski said the Easter refresher had come at a good time.
“We’ve had a few injuries over the last few weeks, a few knocks and bruises,” he said.
