Image: Mark Avellino
Round 10 proved to be a good round for the Altona Magic. Not only did Goran Lozanovski’s men return to winning ways but most of their promotion rivals dropped points with challengers Geelong and North Sunshine Eagles playing out a score draw. Elsewhere Sydenham Park collected their first win under new manager John Markovski while another Robert Stambolziev hat-trick propelled Preston to another dramatic comeback win while a new signing was on hand to deliver Westgate only their second win over the campaign in a basement battle against the-now bottom Altona East Phoenix.
In the South-East, there were crucial away wins for the top three while St Kilda thrashed South Springvale 4-1 to consolidate fourth on the ladder, with the Celts debuting veteran English defender Aron Wilford – who has joined from Oakleigh Cannons – and also capturing forward Christian McKenna from the Bulleen Lions. The Casey Comets leapfrogged Clifton Hill into ninth while last-placed Mooroolbark played out an entertaining 2-2 draw away to Manningham United.
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The Magic welcomed new signing Marinos Gasparis back to Paisley Park, while goalkeeper Michael Stark returned into the starting 11 for the clash against the Western Suburbs on Saturday evening. A professional performance saw the hosts emerge 2-0 winners thanks to first-half goals from Scottish striker Jon McShane and Joseph Franjic – the latter scoring his first goal for the Magic.
That win allowed the former VPL Champions to hold a five-point cushion at the top of the standings after second-placed Geelong played out a 1-1 draw with third-placed North Sunshine at Stead Park. Shane Rexhepi gave the visitors the lead just after the break only for Papua New Guinea international Harry Hillary-Jenkins to equaliser 13 minutes from time for a share of the spoils.
Two first-half goals from prolific forwards Yosuke Saito and Joel Nikolic saw Keilor Park and the Essendon Royals play out the round’s other score-draw.
Goals to Koce Delev and Bobby Gagovski either side of a Garbhan Grant strike helped Sydenham Park to an upset 2-1 win away to Banyule City at Yallambie Park.
Over at McIvor Reserve, Keith Burch netted goals number eight and nine of his campaign to fire Yarraville into a 2-0 lead over the Preston Lions. Up stepped Robert Stambolziev to change all that, as the former Sydney FC forward netted a quick-fire brace to level the scoring before completing his hat-trick in the dying moments of the game – for the second week on the bounce – to complete a remarkable turnaround for the Lions.
Their opponents this week are Westgate, who will be in a buoyant mood after a 1-0 win over the struggling Altona East Phoenix at Castley Reserve. The result moves Sindeljic off the bottom of the ladder in what was their first win under player-manager Gino Defeo, as fellow Englishman and new signing Chris Duncan netted the only goal of the game days after joining the club from Eastern Lions.
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At Quarries Park, Michael Catalano gave Clifton Hill an early lead only for Langwarrin to hit back thanks to a strike from Mat Luak. Imports Liam Baxter and Connor Belger continued their fine form in front of goals to give Gus Macleod’s men a comfortable lead, with Daniel Thomas’ late strike mere consolation for the home side.
Over at Kooyong Park, Malvern City’s Brad Blumenthal cancelled out Ryan Paczkowski’s opener only for substitute Simon Mur to score in injury time to hand Mornington all three points.
Down in Morwell, the out-of-form Pegasus looked to have held on for a scoreless draw against Caulfield, only for Thomas Rankin to mark his return from suspension with an 88th minute winner.
A double to new man Adam Lecky and further goals from Delarno Pharoe and Kyle Haroman helped St Kilda trounce South Springvale 4-1 at Elwood Park, with Aris finding the back of the net through substitute Sayeed Hossaini.
Casey continued their good form of late with a 2-1 win at home over Warragul United. The Comets found the breakthrough in the 68th minute through defender Alex van Heerwaarden before doubling their advantage following another goal from Canadian forward Allando Matheson, with sub Stephen Maselli reducing the deficit soon after.
Manningham failed to keep up with the top four after a frustrating 2-2 draw at home to Mooroolbark. The Barkers found the back of the net through Adam Doughty and Dave Brickell while Blake Roberts and Billy Romas were on the scoresheet for the Blues.