News 
 Local News 
 Sport 
 Football - Soccer 
 FFV: Altona Magic new blood transfers well 

FFV: Altona Magic new blood transfers well

06 Jul, 2011 12:00 AM
THE integration of Altona Magic's 'transfer window' signings, Dennis Ukalovski and Milos Lujic, has been quicker than envisaged by coach Zoran Trajcevski.

Magic had been prepared for a transition period in which newcomers learn to interact with teammates, buy into the game style and find their feet in a new environment.

But the exciting duo fitted in seamlessly and the Magic won the past two games.

The front line was a trouble spot for the Magic, and Ukalovski and Lujic should solve the problem.

Ukalovski, recruited from Dandenong Thunder in the Victorian Premier League, endeared himself to the travelling band of Magic fans on Sunday, providing the match-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over promotion chasers Fawkner Blues at CB Smith Reserve.

"He's a very strong player, hard working and he runs a lot," Trajcevski said. "He just tries for 90 minutes."

The Magic has often developed youngsters only for them to leave for higher levels.

The acquisition of Lujic is a move in the opposite direction.

The former Springvale White Eagles attacker arrived at the Magic after having been part of the Australian Institute of Sport, the Young Socceroos and Melbourne Victory's youth team.

As a Young Socceroo, Lujic scored two in a game against China at an under-19 youth championship.

"He's tall and skinny, but very fast," Trajcevski said. "He's a very intelligent player and definitely dangerous for scoring."

The Magic was a goal down in the 27th minute when Denis Dasoul struck for the Blues.

That was the only joy for the home side as the Magic accelerated Winger George Papadopoulos was the final link in a Benjamin Vahid corner, tapping in a goal before the whistle for half-time.

Twenty minutes into the second half, Ukalovski scored in a similar way from another Vahid cross.

Trajcevski was delighted to see his training-ground moves come to life on the pitch. "We have seven tall players in our team and have been working on set pieces."

The Magic improved to 14 points and relative mid-table safety.

The team can begin to make inroads on the top sides when it meets second-placed Whittlesea Zebras at Paisley Park on Saturday. "They're a quality team, but we're not scared," Trajcevski said.

Print
Increase Text Size
Decrease Text Size

comments


No comments yet. Be the first to comment below.

post a comment


Screen name  *
Email address  *
Remember me?
Comment  *
 
We invite and encourage our readers to post comments. Comments are moderated and will appear as soon as our editor has approved them. When posting comments you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.

Most popular articles




Maribyrnong Weekly







Weather brought to you by:

Weatherzone

Classifieds

Front Page

Current Issue
Privacy Policy | Conditions of Use | Advertising Terms | Copyright © 2012. Fairfax Media.
 SEND...
 SAVE...
 SHARE...