Altona Magic has its destiny in its own hands ahead of the last round of the Football Federation Victoria men’s State League 1 north-west season.
The Magic has spent two-and-a-half months languishing in the bottom two, but the proud club has never given up hope of digging itself out of the hole.
The Magic travelled to Westgate last Friday night to play at Ardeer Reserve, a ground dubbed ‘‘the ghetto’’ in years past because of its reputation as a difficult place for away sides to pick up points.
The Magic had too much to play for to worry about reputations, returning with a 2-1 win that got it out of the relegation zone for the first time since June 28.
The Magic needs a point from the last game against Cairnlea at Paisley Park on Saturday to guarantee survival.
Co-tenant Altona East Phoenix remains in a spot of bother.
Phoenix dropped to third-last on the ladder and is in front of second-last Sunbury United on goal difference.
Phoenix was beaten comprehensively 3-0 on home turf by Sydenham Park. It will face second-placed Preston Lions on the road at BT Connor Reserve, while United hosts Westgate at Langama Park.
Yarraville Glory has a fighting chance for a top-two finish in men’s State League 2 north-west after a 6-1 mauling of Banyule City.
The Glory is still a long shot, three points and minus-three goal difference behind second-placed Corio and having to play top-of-the-ladder North Sunshine Eagles in the final round.
Altona City is faced with a similar scenario in men’s State League 3 north-west.
City kept its slim promotion chances alive with a 1-0 win over Whittlesea United at home on Friday night.
They must beat Brunswick Zebras away and hope Essendon United loses to Williamstown and Old Carey obtains no more than a point on its trip to Geelong Rangers.
Williamstown, two points clear of the relegation zone, need to secure a victory for their own survival.
Altona North is bogged in the men’s State League 4 west relegation zone and only a last-round win over Melton Phoenix away can get them to safety.
