Altona Magic’s rivals in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 have been given a boost.
The Magic went down for the first time this season in a 3-1 loss to Banyule City at Yallambie Park on Saturday.
It is not exactly panic stations for the Goran Lozanovski-coached Magic with a four-point lead at the top of the ladder, but it does show the promotion frontrunners can be beaten after seeming invincible with seven consecutive victories to start the season.
Jon McShane scored the Magic’s only goal.
McShane has scored in consecutive weeks and has four goals in eight games.
The Magic will be looking to bounce back against Keilor Park at Paisley Park on Saturday evening.
Altona East Phoenix’s clash with Preston Lions was postponed due to renovation works at BT Connor Reserve.
The Phoenix will go into its local derby against Yarraville Glory fresh after a week’s rest. Yarraville will need to lift after a 3-1 loss to North Sunshine Eagles at McIvor Reserve on Saturday.
The Glory led by a goal at half-time after Keith Burch scored early, but the Eagles were too strong in the second half with Diellon Memishi firing in a hat-trick.
The defeat has seen the Glory fall to 10th on the ladder.
With the Phoenix sitting in 11th, it’s going to be a massive game for both sides when they square off at Paisley Park on Saturday.
In state league 2, Altona City roared to a 4-0 win over Moreland United at Kim Reserve after a hat-trick to Ayodeji Omoboye.
In state league 3, Williamstown played out a 2-2 draw with FC Strathmore, which sees them move equal on points with second-placed La Trobe University, while Melbourne City’s horror season continued with a 7-1 defeat to Melbourne University.
In state league 4, Altona North had a 4-2 victory over Newmarket Phoenix, while in state league 5, Laverton Park had a costly 2-1 loss to Deakin Ducks, which saw it dislodged from the top of the table.
In women’s state league 2, Maidstone United lapped up a 2-0 win over local rivals Yarraville Glory on the back of a double from Amanda Kezovska, but Maribyrnong Swifts were upended 1-0 by Fitzroy City, leaving them five points behind top side South Melbourne.
