First Grade

South Cardiff came to Wanders Oval wounded from their 5-1 thrashing
against Lakes. Magic have not been playing that badly but luck has not
been on our side. We started brightly with some fluid movement and
passing. The first opportunity of the game fell to us with a stinging
drive from Coops being parried back to Helmers by the Southy keeper.
Kevin's shot bounded off the crossbar to a waiting Ibi Khodary who's
shot landed on the moon. Some sloppy defending saw Southy get into our
box and a scorching pass into the area was put away at the back stick by
Southy. 1-0.
Magic continued to work hard but played to South Cardiff's strength by
continually going through the centre of the park. Once again South
Cardiff attacked us down the flanks and another cross from the right saw
them go two up after Wallace slotted home. Magic continued to attack and
some long range headers from Haynes off crosses from the right side were
all that we had to offer. Southy again broke through our defence and
another cross saw Southy score a great header at the back stick. Half
time.
Magic were a different team in the  second half and constant pressure
saw us eventually get a great goal of the boot of John Majurovski.
Southy looked tired by this stage of the match and Magic pressed again
to open the Southy defence up and another opportunity fell to Haynsey
who slotted home a great goal passed the approaching Southy keeper. The
momentum had swung our way and Southy struggled to contain our attacks
but it was all too late in the end. It's a tough task coming back onto
the park at 3-0 down but Magic showed great fighting spirit today and
were unlucky not to get something out of the game

Thank you to Ian Milne for his first grade report.

Reserve Grade

Magic met South Cardiff at home in clash with plenty at stake for both
teams.

South Cardiff were desperate to hold top spot on the table and Magic
just as keen to cement their top four standing. The first half ended nil
all after Cardiff had the best of play early but Magic saw a golden
chance to lead saved off the line when Affuls well directed header was
scrambled away just as everyone believed celebrations were in order.

Central midfielders Jack O'Toole and Ben Kantarovski worked overtime
while our wide midfielders were forced to defend further down the park
than usual in the first half making the flow of possession to the strikers easier
for Cardiff to interrupt.

Michael Kekovski, Cameron Sullini and Mark Jones showed plenty of
composure at the back in dealing with the Cardiff attack and as the second half
unfolded Magic looked to get on top as Jones dominated in the air
allowing Sullini to push forward as a wide option from the back.

With extra posession Ellenbacher and Mooney also began to see more ball
in the opposition half with both carrying the attack to Cardiff who had
our strikers Martin and Dowdell under pressure with what appeared to be
wrestling hold type defending.

With six minutes to go South Cardiff scored from a scorching  volley
near the edge of the 18 yard box . Magic threw everthing into the last
few minutes and with Sweetman making some penetrating runs were unlucky
to not score an equaliser before time ran out.

Jack OToole was man of the match in a game where every player gave a
whole hearted effort. It was an excellent game of tight hard football
and the team again showed the effort and style which, if maintained,
will take them into the semis and make them a genuine premiership
contender.

Thank you to Chris Turner for his reserve grade report.