First Grade Report

Magic knew they would be in for a tough match against Phoenix Rangers.  Magic really needed a victory not only to keep our winning streak running but to further distance ourselves from Phoenix who still have washed out games in hand.

Magic struggled early as Phoenix started strong. It was Magic who nearly took an early lead with Ibi Khodary beating his defender in a race to the ball but a fine one on one save from the Phoenix keeper denied Magic. It was Phoenix who struck the first blow, catching our defence out of shape a quick ball to the back stick saw them slot away a nice goal. Magic were spurred on by this and quickly took control of the game. Johnny Maj picked up a ball on the eighteen and a superb through ball by him put Ibi into another goalscoring position and he put this one away. The rest of the half was smattered with some great passages of play from both sides.

Second half saw both sides pushing the ball forward quickly. Magic were forced to replace John Bennis in the centre of the park when he picked up a thigh injury. Phoenix were forced into an equally difficult replacement when former NSL player Mark Wilson picked up an injury.

Magic probably had the better of the chances in the half with Kantarovski making some great breaks down the right hand flank. A cross to the back post saw Ben Martin's well hit header smack the crossbar and the rebound landed just out of Johnny Maj's range with an open goal beckoning.

Overall Magic could feel they let the three points slip but we remain unbeaten and still in the top four. It will be a nail-biting couple of weeks for NBN Football as many teams play their wash-out games and still the chance for seven teams to make the top four. Coach Damien Smiths' headache continues with further injury woes to his stable of players and next weeks clash with arch rivals Edgeworth will test the metal of our team. Magic still have a bitter taste in their mouth after failing to bury Edgeworth in our first round clash after outclassing them for 90 minutes. A win is a must with all the team knowing exactly what will be required to keep our season alive.

Thank you to Ian Milne for his First Grade Report

Reserve Grade Match Report

Magic took the field against Phoenix without their entire central midfield from recent weeks and with several injuries causing withdrawal and players backing up after playing under 19s. While it sounds like a recipe for failure instead it was the opposite with the team grafting out a deserved 2-1 win.

Previously we had a 1-1 draw on the Phoenix home ground where the bouncy pitch was the leveller, but this time it was a lack of fresh and experienced personnel that looked to be the worry.  Magic took the lead 1-0 midway into the first half with Ben Martin notching another goal after neat work by makeshift midfielder Cameron Sullini and some hard yards by stop gap striker Damien Smith, however Phoenix struck back with a goal from a set piece taken just outside the box immediately
after a fine save by Medikian in goals who appears to defy the laws of gravity  with his aerial skills.

Under 19s players Phil Bures in defence and Blayne Northcott in midfield were fantastic backing up after a full game in the 19s to play a pivotal role in Magics effort. It was noticeable that the defence were composed under pressure with Mick Kekovski making the Phoenix boys aware of his competitive attitude and strength at every opportunity to snuff out Phoenix raids.

The second half was limp for a period although Evan Ellanbacher was inspirational with his tireless running ethic and it was evident that Mark Jones in sweeper had the measure of the Phoenix attack with some great organisational work, aerial dominance and controlled passing into the midfield where Sullini and Northcott were toiling.

With about 10 minutes left Simon Mooney scored the winner after a goal mouth scramble saw the ball drop to his feet for a crisp finish.The last few minutes were nervous for the boys but they did the simple things well to keep  their lead intact.

Have no doubt about it, this was a gutsy team win, well done guys and once
again thanks to  the  19s who came on late as substitutes.

Thank you to Chris Turner for his Reserve Grade Report