ALTONA has fallen just short of the ultimate prize in the Vodafone Cup after a 1-0 loss to South Melbourne in the grand final on Sunday.
The Magic had to settle for second place for the second time in three seasons after being outplayed in front of more than 5000 spectators at Bob Jane Stadium.
A series of injuries and a sharp performance from a hungry South combination led to the downfall of yet another promising season for the players from Paisley Park.
After a goalless first half dominated by South Melbourne, Jimmy Rooney Medalist Fernando De Moraes combined with Gianni De Nittis to contribute the only goal of the match after 62 minutes.
Seemingly hemmed into the corner flag, the Brazilian found enough room to pick out De Nittis, who made no mistake with a header from six yards out.
Any chance of a comeback in was stifled by match-ending injuries to Altona players Tomi Razov and Becvinovski, the latter coming just minutes from time and after the Magic had used up all its substitutes.
With 10 men left to find an equaliser, Altona’s cause was virtually helpless and so the cup was claimed by South Melbourne.
