By Lance Jenkinson
The excruciating wait is over for Altona East Phoenix.
The Phoenix snapped a five-game losing streak in Football Victoria men’s state league 2 north-west with a convincing 2-1 win over Hoppers Crossing at Paisley Park on Saturday.
A source of frustration for Phoenix coach Davide Piccione was that his team’s strong performances in recent weeks had not resulted in a single victory.
The Phoenix’s previous three matches ended in narrow one-goal losses.
Picone lamented the luck that had eluded them in the start of the campaign.
“Our team has been unlucky in the last few games,” he said. “It’s a good team … but for some reason, we hadn’t won a game and I’m not sure why.
“We didn’t get the points until today. Soccer works like this sometimes.
“With this win, the boys will hopefully get a bit more luck.”
The inclusion of captain George Noulas was huge for Altona East.
Noulas is a rock solid defender and his leadership is invaluable.
His return game was one to cherish.
“You can feel his presence on the pitch,” Picone said.
“He’s the captain, he’s a good player and when you’re missing one good player on the backline, it’s always hard to fill.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Altona East Phoenix vs Hoppers Crossing
Altona East hit the lead from the penalty spot through Festim Elmazi.
The Phoenix’s lead doubled when substitute Tomoki Shiboya found the back of the net.
Goalkeeper George Iatrou pulled off a brilliant save from a free kick, but later could not stop Hoppers Crossing stalwart Alister Smart from pegging a goal back, leaving the Phoenix under late pressure.
With Alessandro Verratti dominating in the midfield and Fernando Perez Rojas forming a steady partnership with Noulas, the Phoenix found a way to secure all three points and move off the bottom of the ladder.
Verratti was praised for his tireless work.
“He was like a machine, up and down the pitch,” Picone said. “Defending and attacking no problem.”
Altona East will pay a visit to seventh-placed Albion Rovers on Saturday.
In state league 1, Altona City came from behind to beat Caroline Springs George Cross 3-1 at Kim Reserve.
Conor Rafferty was the star for City with two goals, while Callum Byrne scored the other.
City is sitting in second place on the ladder, just one point behind Preston Lions.
Yarraville Glory played out a 0-0 draw with Banyule City.
The Glory remains in second-last spot on the ladder.
In state league 3, Alex Vlassis scored a double in Williamstown’s 4-0 win over Westvale at
JT Gray Reserve.
The Blues have moved up to sixth on the ladder.
The women’s state leagues took the week off for cup action.
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