After a stellar start to the season, where the side won the first seven matches, Altona’s Mens Premier League side has had a less successful couple of matches. The fixture has seen Altona with two midweek matches in this fortnight, meaning they play four matches over that period. After losing 2-5 to Powerhouse/St Kilda last Tuesday night, the side ground out a gritty 1-1 draw with Waverley at Grant Reserve on Saturday.
Waverley have had a mixed season thus far, sitting mid table with four wins and four losses. Despite Altona sitting up near the top, with seven wins and just one loss, they were not going to take the boys in navy blue lightly, as they are always a hard running and dangerous side, wherever they sit on the table.
Once again Goalkeeper Tom Pinnegar was magnificent in the net, repelling Waverley’s attacks. He was helped by full backs Jake Macvean, who has been having a stellar season and Chris Coleman. Matthew Guest and Captain Steve Campbell were work man like in the midfield, working well with young endurance machine Josh Horton up front.
Altona led at half time, with a goal from midfielder Matthew Guest. Waverley equalised in the second half, to ensure the sides split the points. Throughout the match, both sides created many chances and both defences held out many attacks.
Coach Ben Guy took the positives out of the draw “While we had chances to get the three points, I was glad the boys stayed in the contest for the entire match and defended so well. The fixture is tough with so many matches in such a short time, but it is also a challenge we are looking forward to.”
Altona play Powerhouse/St Kilda on Tuesday night at the State Hockey Centre in Parkville, then Doncaster at Grant Reseve on the 14th June after a break for the long weekend.
Altona 1 drew with Waverley 1
Goal: Matthew Guest
Meanwhile, after some surprising recent good form, Altona’s Womens Premier League side succumbed to a sharp Waverley outfit, 1-5. The side was 1-2 down at half time, and conceded an early second half goal, however it was the two late goals in the final ten minutes that made the scoreline so one-sided.
Waverley got the jump on the Seagull girls, scoring a field goal in the first five minutes. Altona worked their way back into the contest about 20 minutes later, with Kelsey Fox firing the ball from the midfield to striker Phoebe Rothfield on the left wing. She worked into the circle, getting a penalty corner, which captain and Hockeyroo, Danielle Schubach, converted with poise. Waverley got a late goal in the half to take the lead 1-2 at half time.
Schubach and veteran striker, Steph Sarantis, worked hard in the second half creating chances, but no goals were forthcoming. Victorian Under 21s representative, Bronte Kerley was once again a tireless worker in the midfield. Young goalkeeper and Victorian representative, Taylah Brennan was gallant along with her full backs, but they could only absorb so much pressure before the flood gates opened.
Altona play Powerhouse/St Kilda on Wednesday night at the State Hockey Centre in Parkville, than Doncaster at Grant Reserve on the 14th June.
Altona 1 lost to Waverley 5
Goal: Danielle Schubach