A healthy home crowd turned out to see a well organised Heidelberg outfit, clearly out to get their campaign back on track after last weeks disappointing loss to Fawkner.

They jumped out of the box sharply to quickly dictate play in the opening stanza.

And their early endeavour was rewarded in just the seventh minute as Robert Liparoti’s clinical finish left the ball nestled firmly in the back of the net, just rewards for some fine lead up play from the visitors.
Although obviously disappointing to fall behind so early on at home, the goal did force the Magic to begin to chase an equalising goal and as such, created a more open, un-inhibited approach from the home team.

The game began to slip into a more free flowing style with both sides creating good chances towards the closing of the first period.

Henry Fa’Arodo’s impressed throughout and regularly caused the Heidelberg defence and keeper more than a few headaches. Fa’Arodo and his attacking partners were well supported by an industrious Altona midfield line up, although for all their efforts, the game remained at 1-0 at the half.

The second half resumed as the first ended, Altona looking to continually press and up the tempo, while Heidelberg remained happy to absorb the increasing pressure applied by Altona.

A double change made by the Magic after the hour mark saw the hard working Pece Cergovski and Todd McSorley given an early rest in an attempt to once again take the tempo of the game up to another level.

With this raise in intensity, the challenges made on the ball continued to heat up, this illustrated by no fewer than seven yellow cards brandished, five to the Berger’s.

It was a clear representation of how hard their defence and midfield were working to combat the attacking force of the Magic. Altona, to its credit, continued to press to the end. Praise must also be given to a hard working Heidelberg defensive unit and to the equally hard working Heidelberg strikers and outside halves who attempted to get forward and counter attack at every opportunity.

Although disappointed with the loss, Altona can take some heart from a hard working game, whilst Heidelberg will be very happy with an away win which puts them back on the cusp of the top echelon of the competition.

Words: Derek Dewey