CAMBERWELL outgunned Altona’s State League One men’s hockey side to record a 4-0 win against the out-of-form Seagulls on Saturday.
Altona has always struggled at Matlock Park, and despite beating Camberwell in their clash earlier in the year, the A’s knew they were in for a tough match.
Camberwell were sitting fourth on the ladder, compared to Altona’s seventh, and had won three of their past four, compared to one draw for Altona.
There were ominous signs early, with Camberwell mounting countless attacks. Their speed and clinical ball use were troubling the Altona defence, and if it wasn’t for the experience of veteran defenders Mathew Higgins and Tyson Priddle, the scoreline would have been much worse than 0-1 in the first five minutes.
Camberwell’s speed continued to trouble Altona, and with each attack the home side looked more likely to break through Altona’s valiant defence.
An unmarked striker on top of the circle smashed home their second. Altona looked outclassed, but were only 0-2 at half-time, which was in no way reflective of the dominance of Camberwell in the first half.
The second half was more even than the first, but the scoreline was the same. Altona conceded a scrappy goal early in the second half, but then was in the contest for much of the second half.
Altona saved 10 Camberwell penalty corners, but was unable to prevent a quick counter-attack field goal late in the game to make the final score 0-4.
“They were quick, classy and excellent across every line,” disappointed co-coach Ben Guy said.
“The way they played is where we want to eventually get to with our current game plan. It’s been a tough month, but we think there are a number of opportunities in the final month of the season where we can grab some points.”
Altona take on Toorak-East Malvern at Grant Reserve on Sunday at 2pm.
