Summary: An underwhelming match between Altona Magic and South Melbourne has ended in a 1-1 draw at Paisley Park. With only 3 shots on target between both teams, of which two were goals, a 90-minute stalemate persisted, ending with a result that neither side will be particularly content with.
One of the worries running up to this fixture was the condition of midfielder Chris Irwin, who had left last week’s match against Port Melbourne in a bloody heap. His input has been essential in the midfield, and South depended on his pace and attacking creativity in almost every game so far. Though sporting a large bandage, it was a positive sign seeing Irwin stroll onto the pitch, and in the starting side no less. South youth player Matthew Loutrakis also found himself in the starting 11, replacing Stephen Folan in the squad. It was nice to see, as far less opportunities have been given to South’s youth prospects this season. While not in dire straights, South needed a win, if only to build momentum and create some consistency in their efforts. But it became clear from the beginning of the match that, despite holding last place, Altona would not provide an easy win.
You can hope that by round 5, the differentiation between teams on the ladder is meaningful, but it’s far too early in an NPL season, alongside most clubs being of similar quality to begin with. Even South, who were 5 spots higher on the ladder, looked incredibly underwhelming in their plays. Both teams spent the first portion of the match kicking the ball around defence, with no attacking plays bringing about a single shot on target. As South held the ball in the defensive-midfield , it did allow for a showcase, and as Altona often bought the ball up the right side, Amadu Koroma was given an opportunity to show off his physicality and comfort playing a little higher on the pitch.
It was in the 22nd minute that the spectators were able to see a ball kicked from one player to an opposing goalkeeper, when Nicholas Sette’s weak shot rolls into the arms of Pierce Clark from just inside the box. The high turnover between both sides meant that there were chances for South also, but the few runs we found on the wing led to crosses that drifted straight into goalkeeper. There were a few moments of attacking prowess from both sides, with South’s first and best attempt not coming until the 34th minute. Loutrakis is able to get a cross off on the left side of the pitch, which had been favoured by South throughout the first half. It’s cleared into the path of Sylaidos, who gets the ball down before blasting it past the keeper, but into the crossbar. The lull in South’s aggression temporarily subsided, but no better chances were found.
After such a close call, Altona woke up, and began closing down South’s defence, who would inch forward only to turnover possession. It was in extra time of the first half where South had begun to lighten up on their defence. An attacking run is snuffed out by the Altona defence, and Nicholas Sette bounds up the field and into his attacking half. The ball is cleared unsuccessfully, and more buildup play between Sette and Stefan Ristic culminates into a shot that is fired past Clark. Daniel Clark had gone down before the attacking play started, but the referee didn’t stop play, and South were unable to play to the whistle.
South were far from disheartened, and began searching for an equaliser as soon as the second half began. Clark’s long free kick in the 52nd minute reaches the head Jake Marshall, who beats the keeper, but has his ball cleared by Ryan Kim before it crosses the line. The subsequent corner is swung in, and Sawyer’s header hits the upper arm of an Altona defender. As the players stop to see the referee’s decision, Marshall’s toe poke is cleared off the line, with the ball eventually being cleared. Another opportunity is snuffed out on the line, as a point blank shot by Harrison Sawyer is cleared by an oncoming defender in the 62nd minute.
The rest of the half was mainly played in South’s attacking half, as they continued to push for a goal. However, their aggressive play also meant that counterattacks were a risk. One such counter almost lead to Ristic doubling his tally and Altona’s lead when a corner finds him, though sent just over the bar in the 82nd minute. This little fright did produce an immediate response from South. After an unsuccessful free kick and corner, a ball finds the feet of substitute Melvin Beckett, who sends a ball into an unmarked Brad Norton. The skipper rises, gets a strong connection on the ball, and a strong header thunders past the keeper and into the net.
Both teams wanted the three points, but neither team really looked the better. A scrappy tussle constituted the last ten minutes, as both team’s sloppy fouls disrupted play. With a total of 3 shots on target between the two teams (with Altona’s only shot going in), it’s safe to say that a stalemate was present in this match. Whether that should be a source of discouragement is up to one’s assessment of Altona, and the reason they are last on the ladder. It’s also up to the individual as to whether a one month break will help or hinder South’s form, and whether playing Dandenong city, another team in the relegation zone, will mean anything.
Notable players: Lirim Elmazi, Gerrie Sylaidos, Brad Norton, Chris Irwin
South Melbourne FC: 1
Altona Magic SC: 1