1st Grade
Magic v Olympic is all about passion. The rivalry amongst the teams in unmatched by any others in the NBN League. Magic still had a bitter taste in their mouths after the first round loss at their home ground. We had won four on the trot before this game and the boys rarely need any inspiration
for the match against Olympic. Magic started well and took control of the game during the early stages with some good breaks down the flanks by both Brown and Kantarovski but the final balls into the box were scrambled away by the gritty Olympic defenders. Olympic were playing a physical game but
the Magic boys could not be put off by some spoiling challenges. We continued to pressure and it was the speedy pace of Ibi Khodary that was causing lots of problems for the Olympic defence. Our first goal came when Ibi was crudely brought down in the box and Johnny Majurovski stepped up to
send the goalkeeper the wrong way with his spot kick. Once again we were lucky not to concede after scoring as Scotty Carter pulled a great save out of his hat to keep us in the lead.
The second half was almost a copy of the last weeks game with Olympic pushing numbers forward and using the long ball to get an equaliser. Our defence, inspired by David Baillie, was stretched at times but generally handled the pressure well. Olympics dangerous tactics saw Magic break out
of our half many times to attack the Olympic goal and some great chances only just missed their mark but the warning was sounded. Bennis fought hard to win anything that came via the centre of the park in another solid performance by him. John Majurovski is playing some very exciting football
at the moment and when given the chance to run at the defenders something is always going to happen. After a superb ball from Ben Kantarovski, Maja found himself in space on his right hand side and his placement past the approaching Olympic keeper was very precise to slot home his second of the day.
Olympic continued to battle hard but it was Magic who controlled the game from that point on. Another fine effort by the boys today who continue to impress not only coach Damien Smith, but also their loyal supporters.
This win sees us go into the top four for the first time this season, something that looked impossible a few weeks ago. Some injury concerns, Peter Haynes ankle, Gareth Jenkins knee and now Kevin Helmers hamstring will give Damien some headaches for the next few weeks but overall the lads
who have stepped up to first grade are performing well and have been given great encouragement by the regular first grade squad members. Magic 2 Olympic 0.
Thank you to Ian Milne for his match report.
Reserve
Reserve grade now face a huge job to make the semi finals after a disappointing 4-0 loss to Olympic. Again we had a bright start to the match and in the first half created enough chances to win the game but when the goals aren’t scored and the opposition are quality the team was likely to pay
the price.
Hamilton took the lead shortly before half time after being gifted possession in the midfield and opening us up with a well timed pass. The lead doubled straight after half time with a cross that beat everyone except the Hamilton striker on the far post. 2-0.
After conceding their second goal Magic went into their shell with an apparent loss of purpose in attack. The result was that we then sat back and waited for Olympic to come at us in numbers and two more goals resulted. The boys need to really dig in and overcome the mounting injury toll and lack of player numbers. Individually their were some strong efforts and these need to be converted into team performance and goals in the net.
Thank you to Chris Turner for his match report.