YOUTH-driven Altona City has defied the odds to retain its place in the Women's Premier League.

Recent history tells a story of struggle for newly promoted teams in the top tier of women's soccer.

But City wrote its own chapter, holding on to a spot among the elite teams.

"It's a really good achievement for the girls to stay up in their first year," long-time City coach Paul Kilpatrick said.

"I think that's the first time in six or seven years that a team that's come up from division 1 has managed to stay up and not go straight back down."

All that City had to do was claim at least a point in the last home-and-away game to survive.

It went one better with a first-half goal blitz leading to an unforgettable 3-1 win over the Bendigo Vipers at HC Kim Reserve on Sunday.

The news of bottom-of-the-ladder Preston Lions losing 6-0 to Heidelberg United meant City comfortably survived with five points to spare.

City's win was built on its rich stream of young talent.

Only two of the 11 starters were over the age of 22, which bodes well for next season.

"I think we've got the basis of a really good team," Kilpatrick said.

"This year we've come up against some really good sides and lack of experience and physical strength has cost us in some games.

"Overall, I think we've got the core of a very good team and a very young team."

Alex Miller was the main strike weapon for City.

The striker bagged six of her team's 14 goals.

Miller will be in contention for the best-and-fairest award as will boom recruit Amy Jackson, attacking midfielder Kerri Little and right back Jess Radic.

"We've got three or four who are going to be close in terms of the best-and-fairest," Kilpatrick said.

The Jackson influence should not be understated.

The Young Matilda came into the team at the start of June and her quality

shone out in the middle of the park.

"Getting Amy into the team has helped," Kilpatrick said.

"She's such a down-to-earth person; she hasn't come in looking down on the girls and thinking she's better than everyone.

"She's got a tremendous attitude, a great work ethic and she's been superb for us."

The finals will be contested by Box Hill Inter, Heidelberg United, Sandringham and Ashburton.

Lance Jenkinson