Melton Phoenix continues to search for its second win of the state league four west season following another loss to Altona North on Saturday.
With Altona North sitting in the middle of the table the Phoenix were not without a chance, but they struggled to curtail the home sides scoring options and went down 3-1.
The Phoenix had to chase the game for the majority of the contest as the home side kicked the first two goals of the game to hold a 2-0 lead at half-time.
From there the game evened up, with Melton giving as good as it got and sharing the spoils in the second half, but the damage had been done early and they fell to their 13th loss to remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
While there is just six games left for the Phoenix to avoid relegation and give them a glimmer of hope of salvaging their season, they play the three teams immediately above them on the table.
It was better news for Melton in the reserves, with the Phoenix riding a four-goal haul to Jason Hill to secure a memorable 4-3 win.
Hill was the standout player on the park as Melton registered just its third win of the season, and was able to hold off Altona North to move two games clear of the bottom of the ladder.
Elsewhere, Spring Hills did its chances of promotion from state league five west no harm with a convincing 5-1 win over Melbourne Lions.
With the first half a see-sawing battle, Spring Hills held on to a 2-1 lead at the break, but was able to break the game open and hit the back of the net regularly after half-time.
Captain Dylan Magro scored twice, while Josip Loncaric, Robert Magro and Zac Hancock each grabbed a goal in a good sign for their versatility.
Spring Hills sit third on the table, just a point behind Melbourne Uni and five points behind table toppers Laverton Park in the fight for promotion.
Spring Hills’ reserves also enjoyed a strong day against the Lions, coming away with a 3-0 win and extending its lead in fourth place on the ladder.
