Altona Magic hit back with a 1-0 win over Sunbury United in the Football Federation Victoria state league 1 at Paisley Park on Saturday evening.
A week earlier, the Magic slipped four points behind leader North Sunshine, and were desperate not to concede any further ground.
Altona East Phoenix saw its two-game winning run come to an end with a 3-2 loss to Sydenham Park on the road at Keilor Lodge Reserve.
In state league 2, Yarraville Glory made light work of bottom side Melbourne University, winning 4-0.
Darcey Den Ouden was on target again for the Glory with two goals to have a league-best eight for the season.
The Glory moved up to fourth and boast the division’s best goal difference.
In state league 3, three of the top four clubs lost, including local sides Williamstown and Altona City.
Williamstown was pipped 1-0 on the road at Lalor United, while City suffered a 2-1 loss to Whittlesea United.
In state league 4, Maribyrnong Greens maintained top spot with a 2-0 win over Laverton Park, while Altona North lost 2-1 to second-placed Sebastopol.
