By Adrian Ceddia
ALTONA achieved a feat no other side has been able to accomplish so far in the 2006 Vodafone Cup by escaping with all three points at Kingston City’s Grange Reserve on the weekend.
A first-half goal from Magic sharpshooter Saso Becvinovski helped the visitors to their seventh win in 15 matches and moved it to within one point of Kingston at the top end of the ladder.
More importantly, it was Altona’s first win in four matches after recording two draws and a loss in its previous three games.
There was plenty on the line for both sides, with City able to temporarily take top spot from Oakleigh if it could take the three points, while the Magic was in danger of falling into the depths of the chasing pack if it was to lower its guard.
It was the Magic which took an early lead, with Becvinovski netting his 11th goal of the season.
The goal took him one clear of Kingston’s Michael Curcija.
But it was the byplay of the Razov brothers, Tomi and Ivan, which set up the opportunity for the striker.
Tomi set up Ivan before his skewed attempt was easily put away by the awaiting Becvinovski.
Both sides had a few opportunities to add to the score sheet in the remaining minutes of the first half, but the score remained 1-0 at the main break.
Content with the scoreline, Altona was determined to keep a clean sheet in the second half, concentrating on defence.
The tactic was a success as the Magic defence held out well and ensured a valuable away victory.
Altona will be keen to string two wins together when it travels to play Preston this weekend, before the league takes a two-week break after round 16.
