Altona Hockey Club’s Mens Premier League side has made finals for the first time in 11 years after a come from behind draw against Doncaster on Saturday.
A large loyal contingent from the A’s made the trek out to Donvale for the season defining match, and made sure there was loud, positive support from the blue and gold army to get the boys across the line.
The finals dream only became a reality after a second half fight back led by all players across the park. The match started as a nightmare, with Doncaster scoring within 20 seconds of the opening whistle. Altona looked nervous and were making skill errors, which the fast Doncaster attack pounced upon. Altona, still yet to steady, conceded another goal in the first ten minutes, and some thought the season would be ending on Saturday.
Altona settled, and began to link well together. Defender Andrew Scanlon was providing drive with his overhead passes, and the strikers, Chris Porter, Pat Philips and Tyson Priddle, were providing targets up front. Altona were awarded a penalty corner, which Scanlon duly converted, to get the A’s back in the contest.
Commonwealth Gold Medallist Chris Cirello, perhaps the fastest and most lethal drag flicker in the world, was back in town for the match, so Altona did everything they did to avoid conceding penalty corners, but it was field goals costing them so far. Doncaster went 3-1 up with another field goal. Altona’s defence was playing well, but Doncaster were overloading, and seemed to have a free man.
Another successful penalty corner, this time a variation with Harry Dolenc spinning to his left, leaving the ball for Scanlon to record his second. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, and the frenetic first half was over with a 2-3 deficit for Altona to make up in the second half.
Altona began to control play in the second half. The match continued to be played at speed, and the ball whizzed from end to end. Throughout the match, Altona was successful in its goal of minimising penalty corners conceded, and Doncaster only had two, which superstar goal keeper, Tom Pinnegar, saved both of Cirello’s lightning bolts!
Altona had a few chances, including a penalty stroke by Scanlon, which was saved by the Doncaster keeper. Doncaster, who had been starved of opportunities, finally broke the shackles and took a 4-2 lead with another field goal. It seemed the boys from the outer east were going to be playing in September, and Altona’s dream may be over.
Unfortunately, no one told the Seagulls. They kept scrapping. They kept attacking. Defenders Jacob Macvean, Matthew Huff and Matthew Higgins gave them nothing in their attack. Midfielders Harry Dolenc was everywhere, setting up Canadian International Matthew Guest and Josh Horton in the midfield. Captain Steve Campbell was inspirational, as always, throwing himself into the most ridiculously dangerous situations. Wiley veteran striker Tyson Priddle was constantly posting up to be a target for his midfield, and was getting the pacey Philips and Porter away. With only eight nominates on the clock, a ball was fired into the circle, and Phillips deflected the ball into the back of the net, wrong footing the keeper. The Seagulls had a sniff, and that was all they needed.
With only minutes on the clock, the A’s attack was relentless. They got a penalty corner. Chris Coleman took the flick, and fired it into the net to draw level. The Travelling Snake pit erupted. They could taste September. Altona just had to hold on.
Doncaster wouldn’t lie down. Only a win was enough for them to take fourth spot. The young, pacey midfield kept pressing. Altona’s defence was brilliant. Macvean had a stellar second half, and made tackle after tackle. Higgins, as always, was calm and turning defence into attack with strong, accurate hitting. The final minute seemed to go for an eternity. Doncaster had one more chance… the ball fired across the circle, Chris Coleman stood up and cleared the ball over the side line. The whistle went and no draw had been celebrated more in the Club’s recent history!
“The result is obviously very pleasing, especially given the nightmare start to the match. We realise that we have a bit of work to do this week to ensure our start next Sunday is better. This is only the first step in the journey, but it is a big reward for a lot of hard work, preparation and planning for our squad over the past few years.” said Coach Ben Guy.
“Having been part of the 1999 Grand Final loss in my first year, and the last finals campaign in 2003, it’s been a long time between drinks. Being part of the rebuild and seeing these young blokes develop into quality premier league players has been an honour. This is reward for that patience” said veteran Tyson Priddle after the match.
“This is one of the most pleasing results for a long time. I look at the faces of our loyal supporters as I walked into the rooms. The high fives, the hugs, the general excitement. It’s been a long road for us, but it’s also a long road for them, coming along week in week out. They know we’ve been working towards this for years, but it doesn’t make that journey, with all its speed humps, any easier.” Said Matthew Guest.
Altona 4 drew with Doncaster 4
Goals: Andrew Scanlon 2, Pat Phillips 1, Chris Coleman 1