Sydenham Park went in with a strong game plan, toiled hard for 90 minutes and created numerous chances to score against runaway Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 ladder leaders Altona Magic – but it was not enough.
The Magic are experts at eking out a win, much to the frustration of Reds coach John Markovski, and returned home from Keilor Lodge Reserve with all three points after a fairly unconvincing 1-0 win decided by a spectacular Adamson Ajayi second half strike on Saturday.
“I’m gutted for the boys because they obviously worked really hard for the whole game,” Markovski said.
“They were obviously devastated because they were working hard and pressing to try and get something out of the game.
“Altona is 14 points ahead of us on the ladder because they deserve it.
“They’re a strong side because they battle right till the end and they battled out a result today, so full credit to them.”
Sydenham Park was left to ponder what might have been.
The Reds were able to manufacture a number of chances in the scrappy game, but could not capitalise. And when they did find the back of the net, they were either adjudged to have run foul of the rules or hit with bad luck.
The Reds thought Matthew Sesay scored an equaliser with an acrobatic scissor kick, but he was found to have been offside.
Moments earlier, Jayden Rojas had a close range strike stopped by Magic goalkeeper Michael Stark, but the Reds fans and players were adamant the ball crossed the line for a goal.
“We had two goals called off, but what do you do?” Markovski said.
“We were unlucky when the ball went over the line and their keeper dragged it back in.”
Despite the immediate disappointment of the loss, there is an upbeat feel around Sydenham Park, which has won two of its past three matches.
The Reds have picked up six points from four games since Markovski took over as coach.
“The boys are heading in the right direction,” he said. “Today was just unfortunate, a little bit unlucky.
“It’s done and dusted and we’ll concentrate on the next game.”
Sydenham Park, fifth on the ladder with 17 points, has its next two games on the road, starting with ninth-placed Essendon Royals on Saturday.
Elsewhere in state league 1, North Sunshine Eagles powered to a 3-1 win over Keilor Park at Larissa Reserve.
Diellon Memishi made it nine goals in seven games for the Eagles, while Shane Rexhepi and Ryan Dragovic also found the back of the net.
Matthew Sirgiovanni was Keilor Park’s lone goalscorer.
Western Suburbs played out a nil-all draw with Essendon Royals at Ralph Reserve, while Westgate lost 3-0 to Yarraville Glory at McIvor Reserve.
It was a bad day for local clubs Westvale and Cairnlea in the men’s state league 2, both losing at home.
Westvale was pummelled 5-1 by Geelong Rangers, while Cairnlea went down 3-1 to Altona City.
Men’s state league 3 leaders Brimbank Stallions did as it pleased in a 7-2 mauling of Melbourne City at Edwards Reserve.
Kacper Hubiak, who has 11 goals in 10 games, fired in a hat-trick, while the scoring was rounded out by doubles to Kemal Irdem and Ashley Webster.
The Stallions are three points clear on top of the ladder.
Balmoral and Western Eagles played out a scoreless draw in men’s state league 4.
In women’s state league 1, Keilor Park made it four wins in five matches, downing Lara United 3-1 at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
Melbourne Knights had a 1-1 draw against Preston Lions at Knights Stadium.
Women’s state league 3 title contenders Spring Hills cruised to a 5-0 win over St Albans Saints at Churchill Reserve.
