By ADEM SARICAOGLU
ALTONA Magic walked away satisfied with a 1-1 draw over State League One front-runner Moreland Zebras at Paisley Park on Sunday.
After conceding a goal just minutes after opening kick-off, Magic clawed its way back with an inspired Oleksiy Khrapko leading the way from start to finish.
The home team went into the dressing rooms down 1-0 at halftime but came out a different outfit in the second half.
As Moreland’s attacking flare of the first half seemed to dissipate it was Khrapko who sparked Altona’s eventual revival.
Soon after the hour-mark Khrapko pounced on a ball outside the box and finished brilliantly for the equaliser, but Altona’s celebrations were short-lived.
Just minutes later Magic was forced down to 10 men when Denis Ukalovski picked up his second yellow card and was subsequently sent off.
However despite their numerical disadvantage Altona battled hard to stay in touch and refused to hand Moreland back their lead.
As precious set pieces went to waste in Altona’s front third it was Moreland who finished the match on top, constantly peppering its goal and even hitting the crossbar close to injury time, but all for no gain.
Afterward coach Pece Stojevski noted the marked improvement of Altona in the second half.
“Yeah it was much better,” Stojevski said.
“In the second half we were versatile and our spirit was still there, so it was a job well done.”
With striker Melvin Becket a key omission from the side after seeing a red card of his own the previous week, Stojevski made particular note of Khrapko’s performance up front.
“I think that was one of his best matches,” he said.
“Last week I asked a few things of him, and he delivered today.
“He’s still recovering from injury but I’m happy with him, he’s scored two really crucial goals this season, so that’s very good.”
Going into the clash with an under-strength squad, Stojevski was buoyant about his team’s performance.
“All in all I’m happy with that result this week, because Moreland is unbeaten in the league,” he said.“To get a point from this team is a bonus, to be honest.”
Currently third on the State League One table, Magic will head to Box Hill United’s Wembley Park this Saturday.
