Altona City making a dream start to life in VPL2, sitting joint top of the league

Despite not having a home ground for games or training, Altona City has made a dream start to life in VPL2, sitting joint top of the league after the opening month.

Altona City has made a strong start to the VPL2 season. Picture: Altona City

Undefeated, joint top of the ladder, the opening month of the VPL2 season has been a dream for Altona City.

In its first season at the level, the reigning State League 1 North-West premier has burst out of the blocks, winning three of its opening four matches.

A thumping 4-0 season-opening win over Boroondara-Carey Eagles was followed by a wild 4-4 draw with fellow promotion-winner FC Melbourne.

The club has then made two long road trips, to Shepparton and Doveton, and come away with three points each time, defeating GV Suns 1-0 and Doveton 2-1.

City coach Michael Calandrella said it had been a terrific start but stressed his team couldn’t get comfortable.

Altona City has made a strong start to the VPL2 season. Picture: Altona City

“Obviously it’s been a great start for us, it was really important that we pick up points early being new to the league,” Calandrella said.

“We’ve still got a long way to go, a lot of improvement, to be honest we haven’t been great the last couple of games but the positive is we’re still picking up points.

“We kept a large part of the squad together, we only added a couple, so the boys all know each other well.

“We knew we’d have some momentum coming in but knew it was going to be difficult, it’s definitely a step up from State League 1.

“The game is quicker, it’s more technical and more tactical as well, so we’re adjusting that.”

Making the start all the more meritorious is the fact Altona hasn’t had access to its Kim Reserve base since mid last year.

City was meant to play home games at Yarraville’s McIvor Reserve but it wasn’t ready so the club played its first “home” game at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora.

The next three games – against Box Hill, Beaumaris and Pascoe Vale – are away before hosting fellow ladder-leader North Sunshine at McIvor Reserve.

It’s hoped Kim Reserve will be available by June.

“It’s been difficult because we’ve been away every week, that’s definitely playing a part,” Calandrella said

“We’re training off-site, so that’s playing a part as well, with the facility we’re at.

“I’m really proud of the boys because they’re getting the results under tough circumstances we’re in.”

Luis Covarrubias leads the club’s goalscoring with three goals in four matches, including a brace against FC Melbourne.

City has scored the second most goals and conceded the fourth fewest in the competition.

Calandrella praised his defenders’ form in the opening month and said finding whole-team consistency was a key to the rest of the season.

“Our back four has been really good and consistent,” he said.

“They’ve been a large part of our wins in the first few games and then we’ve had individual performances from a few boys.

“That’s where we need to take the next step, all the boys need to be on song and if we get there that will hold us in good stead.

“Every team is tough regardless of where they’re sitting on the ladder, if you don’t show up you’ll get found out.

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“Box Hill is another team that hasn’t won a game, our last two games – Goulburn Valley, then Doveton – and now Box Hill all haven’t won.

“We’ve seen the desperation in these teams to win their first game so we’re expecting a very tough game on Friday.”

Altona is also still alive in the Australia Cup after taking care of Point Cook 7-0 thanks to hat-tricks from Peter Lay and Lachlan Smith.

It has been drawn against NPL club Manningham United in the fifth round, with the match set for April 24.