ALTONA’S State League One side had a chance to secure themselves a finals spot, but Toorak-East Malvern’s desperation to avoid relegation proved to be greater motivation on Saturday evening.
TEM defeated Altona 3-2 in a frustrating match for Altona co-coach Ben Guy.
“Without the ball, we were too loose and defensive lapses cost us the game. The boys knew what was on the line in terms of finals, and to make that many errors and turnovers in a critical match was extremely disappointing,” he said.
“We take on another side fighting for a finals place in Waverley next week, so we’ll have to improve in a big way by next weekend.”
The match was scrappy, and TEM, in ninth position, seemed to be bringing the As down to their skill level. While the defence were patient and maintaining possession, the crucial pass into the forward line seemed to be the undoing of the Seagulls in this crucial encounter.
After scores were locked at 1-1 at half-time, Jesse Gatt pounced on a rebound and slotted a classy goal to take a 2-1 lead for the As. TEM, staring down the barrel of relegation, lifted a notch. They started to trouble the young Altona defence, and despite the best efforts of Chris Coleman, Jake Macvean and Matthew Briscoe, they earned several penalty corners, and their specialist drag flicker converted one to level the scores at 2-2.
Loose marking saw a TEM striker have an easy goal shot, slotting a tomahawk shot past a valiant Ben Oborn in the Altona net. TEM held on to the 3-2 lead for the rest of the match.
