By LIAM TWOMEY
ALTONA recovered from a third quarter fade-out to beat Albion by eight points in the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
The Vikings looked in control of the match throughout the first half and took a 19-point lead into quarter time and an 11-point lead into the main break.
However, a five-goal-to-one third term to Albion turned the match on its head.
With the Cats holding all the momentum at the final change, new Altona coach Josh Russo managed to get his team back on track.
The Vikings shut the Cats’ offensive down in the final term, conceding just two behinds for the quarter.
At the other end of the ground, Altona peppered the goals, kicking 3.5 for the term to take the come from behind win, 13.12 (90) to 12.10 (82).
“I thought we started particularly well in the first quarter and then we sort of got away from what was working,” Russo said.
“Credit to Albion, they got on top. The boys showed some good character and a big effort to lift in that last quarter and get over the line for the win.
“I think in the last quarter the pressure around the ground picked up. We got back to what was working in the first quarter that went missing.
“Our defence held up really well which gave us a great chance to win the game.”
Luke Ryan and Daniel O’Leary were outstanding for Altona, each kicking three goals and having an impact around the ground.
They were well supported by Lee Spiteri, who continued his great start to the 2014 season.
After being named best-on-ground in the WRFL’s interleague victory against the Southern Football League the week prior, Spiteri picked up where he left off with another impressive game.
Altona will now look to make it back-to-back wins when the Vikings take on Spotswood this Saturday.
“You’d be silly to ever go into a game against Spotty and think it is going to be easy,” Russo said.
“We know it is going to be a good challenge and all you can do is go out, play to a game plan and hopefully you come up trumps.
“Spotswood will be a good side again this year and we will definitely do our homework and try and do the best we can against a good side.”
