Altona East Phoenix spent the second half of the State League 1 north-west soccer season trying to keep its head above water. On Saturday, it finally drowned.
Phoenix, in the top half of the table at the mid-point of the season, chose a disastrous time to slip up and fall to the relegation zone.
Hearts were broken on the final day of the season when Phoenix’s gallant nil-all draw with Preston Lions on the road was not enough to ensure safety. The Phoenix was banished to the second tier of the state leagues after Sunbury United defeated Westgate 4-1.
Altona Magic was mired in relegation trouble for a large chunk of the season’s second half, but four consecutive wins meant it ended the campaign mid-table. The Magic completed a stunning turnaround with a 1-0 win over Cairnlea at Paisley Park on Saturday.
In State League 2 north-west, Yarraville Glory had to be content with third place, losing 1-0 to newly crowned champions North Sunshine Eagles. The Glory finished six points behind second-placed Corio and seven in arrears of the Eagles after a solid season. It was an Essendon one-two in State League 3, with Royals and United finishing first and second respectively. But Altona City’s failure to beat Brunswick Zebras in a match that finished
2-2 cost it promotion.
There was plenty of local interest at the opposite end of the table, with Williamstown fighting to survive and tying in to City’s promotion chances. Williamstown knocked off Essendon United 1-0, which not only ensured their safety but opened the door for City to steal second. By not claiming maximum points it desired, City had to settle for third.
In State League 4 west, Melbourne City was upset 2-0 by Bell Park, having already bedded down second spot.
City will face Darebin United in the state league playoffs at the State Football Centre in Thornbury on Friday at 8pm.
Maribyrnong Greens went down 2-0 at home to Point Cook.
