Altona royalty were in the crowd on Saturday and they saw a slick, professional performance from the Premier League side. With the 20 year reunion of the 1994 State League Premiership side on Saturday, Altona had an extra bit of inspiration to win against cross-town rivals Camberwell, but a potential finals spot was motivation enough.
Camberwell were second on the ladder in the lead up to the match, and are a formidable opposition, their side containing a number of Victorian representatives, former and current Australian representatives.
Altona played inspired hockey from the first whistle. Strikers Chris Porter and Pat Phillips were troubling the Camberwell defence with their pace and skilful runs. Midfielder and International Matthew Guest was dominant and veterans Mathew Higgins and Tyson Priddle were, as always, providing leadership and a steady, controlling influence.
Altona got on the board about ten minutes into the first half through a drag flick from defender Chris Coleman. The crowd were pumped. While Camberwell were without Australian keeper, George Bazeley, their stand in was Olympic Bronze Medallist Lachlan Dreher, one of Australia’s and Victoria’s greatest keepers in history!
Camberwell looked stunned. Known for their clinical, systematic game plan and pace, they were on the back foot. Altona’s work rate was demonic. Phillips, Priddle and Porter were putting immense pressure on their defenders, while Coleman, Higgins and Jake Macvean were giving nothing away at fullback. Centre halves, Kieran Symons (son of one of the 1994 side) and Harry Dolenc, were dominating with their captain, Steve Campbell, and setting up the forwards for countless circle penetrations.
Guest pounced on a saved ball on the goal line, tapping in the easiest of goals, and Altona took a 2-0 lead. If it wasn’t for a spectacular save, from Dreher, it would’ve been 3-0 at the break! At the other end, Altona’s goalie, Tom Pinnegar, who has been one of their best players all year, was again pulling off the un-saveable saves, and the crowd loved every minute of it!
After the break, Altona continued their dominance, but Camberwell had a few chances. They struggled trapping on their penalty corners with the warm, windy conditions making the pitch bouncier than usual. Porter was extremely dominant, and he scored a spectacular tomahawk goal to send the crowd wild. Altona’s 3-0 lead looked enough, but the coaching staff new that Camberwell’s lethal attacking options could score en masse at any stage.
Campbell and Dolenc continued to control the centre, with the latter having a stand out second half. Young midfielder, Josh Horton, was quiet in the first half, but his immense engine started to tire the Camberwell midfielders in the second half. Camberwell got a goal back, and Altona went back into their shell. Old hands broke them out of their funk, with Higgins, Guest and Priddle leading from the front. A slick back stick pass from Priddle to Porter ended up with Dolenc who slotted a slick goal, to put the game beyond doubt.
“While it was fantastic from a Club perspective to have such a quality win while our old boys were here, the possibility of finals and taking it up to the reigning premiers was more important for our squad. We look to next week against Doncaster who sit one win below us as a mini final and will look to continue today’s good form into that match.” Said Coach Ben Newell after the match.
Altona take on Doncaster at Donvale on Saturday from 3:30pm. A win should guarantee them fourth spot and their first Premier/State League finals appearance since 2003.
Altona 4 defeated Camberwell 1
Goals: Chris Coleman, Matthew Guest, Chris Porter, Harry Dolenc.