Image: Mark Avellino
Round 5 of the State League One season saw the Altona Magic emerge as the only club with their 100% record intact after draws to Geelong and Langwarrin respectively. A more modest figure of 26 goals from 12 games did not dampen the drama, with several clubs also showcasing off their high-profile new signings.
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South-West
South-East pace-setters Langwarrin dropped their first points of the campaign after being held to a scoreless draw away to Warragul United. Despite the setback, Gus MacLeod’s men have been active in the transfer market having signed Scottish striker Liam Baxter from the Goulburn Valley Suns as well as welcoming the return of English defender Kieron Kenny. The former has netted five goals in as many games for the Shepparton-based NPL2 outfit and further strengthens a formidable playing unit.
The result at Baxter Park allowed surprise packets Caulfield United Cobras to move into second on the standings after a 1-0 triumph away to the out-of-sorts South Springvale at Warner Reserve. A goal 23 minutes from time by Cort Kibler-Melby – his third of the campaign – proved to be the difference with Aris now goalless in 340 league minutes. Mike Kupinic’s men are riding high in second having won back-to-back promotions in recent years, with their 2015 State League Three success being orchestrated by his predecessor Gus Caminos.
Pre-season promotion favourites Mornington kept pace with the top two following a 2-1 win against the struggling Mooroolbark at Esther Park. Goals to long-time club servants Simon Webster and Wayne Gordon put Adam Jamieson’s men in the ascendancy before Barkers forward Sam Klepac netted his fourth of the campaign five minutes from time to set up a frantic finale. The visitors held on in the end, meaning Andy McCabe’s side are in trouble having lost all five of their games this term to remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder.
Manningham United Blues are fourth separated from third place only by goal difference after a comfortable 2-0 victory at home over Morwell Pegasus. Former Box Hill pair Michael Godfrey and Lucas Johns were on the scoresheet, with the latter now on sitting on three goals for the campaign. The Gippsland-based visitors are now winless in four games; their washed-out Round 3 fixture against the Casey Comets is yet to be replayed.
The Casey Comets could not be separated from St Kilda as the duo split the points in a 1-1 draw at Elwood Park on Saturday afternoon. Kiwi forward Steve McRae moved clear at the top of the goalscoring standings in the conference with his fifth of the season on 13 minutes. However, Canadian import Allando Matheson equalised 25 minutes later to ensure a share of the spoils as the Celts handed out a starting debut to new Swedish signing Herman Sillerstrom who joins from Richmond.
The final fixture in the South-East saw Malvern City stun rivals Clifton Hill by dispatching the hosts 3-0 to secure their first win of the season. An own goal on 26 minutes handed the visitors the perfect start, while Jonathan Voulgaris’ missed penalty added to the woes of the home side. Further strikes in the second half from Daniel Hilder and former Springvale White Eagles forward Brad Blumenthal gave City all the bragging rights at Quakers Park on Saturday afternoon.
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North-West
Over in the North-West, the game of the round pitted third-placed Banyule City against second placed Geelong, with both teams aiming to keep hold of their unbeaten starts to the season. Papua New Guinea international Harry Hilary-Jenkins handed the visitors the lead in the 10th minute with his second of the campaign, only for William Hudson to equalise for the Bulls 11 minutes into the second half. Former Whittlesea forward and fellow PNG national team representative George Slefendorfas netted an immediate response, only for Garthan Grant’s goal in the 77th minute to ensure a share of the spoils at Yallambie Park.
That result allowed Altona Magic to claim an outright lead at the top of the standings after a 1-0 victory over an organised Yarraville side at Paisley Park Soccer Complex on Saturday evening. The visitors handed a debut to new Italian signing Michele Crazia, but the former Avondale defender exited the game in the 55th minute following an injury. Defender Steven Thomson headed home the winner 15 minutes from time following a precision cross from left-back John Stojcevski. Former South Melbourne defender Amadu Koroma also made his debut for the Magic.
The draw between Banyule and Geelong also benefitted Keilor Park, who ousted the Bulls in third place after inflicting Westgate’s fifth straight defeat. Liam Brian’s goal on the hour mark proved to be the winner as the visitors made it four wins from their last four, while Westgate coach Kevin Taylor can take a much-improved defensive showing from his side as a positive heading into next week.
The North Sunshine Eagles failed to return to winning ways after drawing 1-1 against the Western Suburbs at Larissa Reserve. Former Hume striker Deang Aguek scored two minutes from the break to give the visitors an upset lead, only for Feston Azizi’s ball into the area on 59 minutes to find the lurking Eagles veteran Besnik Kutleshi. The club stalwart returned the staring 11 for the first time since being handed down a two-year ban by the FFV which was later reduced to 12 months following an appeal to the FFA.
The Altona East Phoenix secured their first three points of the season following a 2-1 win over Sydenham Park at Keilor Lodge Reserve. Former St Albans forward Goran Jozeljic scored the opener in the 63rd minute only for teammate Steven Mladenoski to receive his second yellow 11 minutes later. However Jozeljic netted an all-important second goal five minutes from time which made Stevce Dimcevski’s late strike mere consolation for Alex Cobo’s outfit.
The round’s most emphatic victory saw the Preston Lions collect their first win of the season following a 4-0 drubbing over the Essendon Royals. The visitors had star striker Chris Davies to thank, with the Welshman netting a hat-trick to kick-start the Lions season. New signing Daniel Visevic was also handed a start on debut and rewarded Lou Acevski’s faith by scoring in the 34th minute as the 2007 VPL Premiers overpowered the Royals at Ormond Park.
