By Adrian Ceddia
A THREE-goal first-half blitz allowed Altona to collect the points against Essendon and rocket to equal top on the Football Federation Victoria’s Vodafone Cup ladder after four rounds.
In miserable conditions at Paisley Park, the Magic cashed in on a rampant 10-minute period in the middle of the first half and held off a late fightback from the Royals to win 3-2.
The victory was Altona’s third from four appearances – the only blemish coming with a draw in round three against Kingston City.
The team is equal with Oakleigh and Melbourne Knights on 10 points ahead of the two-week break for the Victorian squad’s trip to China.
Goals from Sash Becvinovski, Daniel Vasilevski and help from an own goal in a stunning period of play brought the game to life and all but guaranteed the points by the half-time break.
“It’s a good start to be four games undefeated,” Altona coach Ken Murphy said.
“It’s better than we were placed last year, so we’re setting ourselves up nicely.”
Altona started the brighter of the two teams, forcing Essendon keeper Marko Sutalo into two brilliant saves in the first 10 minutes.
The weight of possession continued in the opening half until finally the gaps in the Royals’ defence opened the goal rush began.
In the 28th minute Altona’s in-form forward Becvinovski found space on the edge of the 18-yard box, taking advantage of the freedom by barrelling a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
The Magic continued to press forward and five minutes later had its second goal of the evening courtesy of a Vasilevski long-range free kick.
The low, powerful shot slid through a maze of players in the goalmouth and somehow eluded Sutalo to give Altona a commanding advantage.
The unbelievable streak continued in the 33rd minute when Stiven Mrkela’s free kick from 30 yards also found the back of the net amid heavy traffic in front of goal.
Altona’s sizeable advantage was maintained until the end of the first period, despite a difficult volleyed chance falling to Michael Catalano nearing the whistle.
The players returned to continuing rain in the second half, with neither side convincing in attack.
Against the run of the match, Essendon pulled a goal back within 15 minutes of the restart when David Pilic netted a brilliant set piece after a foul on the Magic defence.
The rain continued to tumble as Altona searched for a sealing goal, but a determined Royals unit was buoyed by its goal and believed a point was still on offer.
With only a few minutes of normal time remaining Essendon made it 3-2 when Leo Catalano scored from the penalty spot.
Finishing full of running, the visitors searched for an equaliser but the Magic successfully pushed its players back to hold off for a much-deserved victory.
“I was extremely happy with the first half. With a bit of luck we could have been leading four or five nil at half-time,” Murphy said.
“But I don’t think we’ll ever work out player psychology. I think they thought they had it won and just took the foot off the pedal.
“In those conditions, anything could happen. I was a bit nervous.”
While the league takes a break from official duties, Altona will play a practice match against State League side Lalor this Sunday.
