Hume City draw with Altona in tough affair at Paisley Park

Hume City FC has been held to a 1-1 draw by Altona Magic at Paisley Park after an impressive second-half Josh Okane goal was cancelled out by an incredible strike from Alexander Gustin.

In what was Halil Hussain’s final game as Interim Coach ahead of the exciting arrival of Nick Hegarty, the unfortunate result for Hume City came in tough, windy conditions as the away side was unable to convert some late chances to get the win.

The first quarter of the game proved a rugged affair as Hume City had the first major chance of the game, with Okane getting on the end of a solid pass from Oli Kelaart, only for Altona goalkeeper Iliya Shalamanov-Trenkov to get a hand to the ball to keep it out.

Birkan Kirdar’s resulting corner came even closer to going in as the ball was whipped in and smashed against the crossbar before Shalamanov-Trenkov was again called into action when he punched a dangerous cross from Erdeniz Yildiz 15 minutes later.

While Altona found themselves in control of the game from the half-hour mark, they produced their best two moments over the next 10-minute period through Anthony Franjic, who missed a cut-back opportunity and then an open goal that could have easily put Altona in front at half-time.

Following the break, Hume City came out strong as Okane had his first attempt on goal within the first minute before captain Josh Bingham let fly with an attempt that went just wide of the goal a few minutes later.

Okane would eventually put Hume City ahead just eight minutes after the restart as he ran onto a brilliant Mehmet Uysal through ball across the goal to fire past Shalamanov-Trenkov at the near post.

With Hume City grabbing the lead, the game began to settle as neither team truly challenged either keeper for the next 15 minutes – the best chance going to Daniel Fabrizio, who had a long-range effort easily saved by Damon Camilleri.

Frustratingly, Altona found their equaliser just 18 minutes from time courtesy of a rocket from Alexander Gust after the Hume City defence unable to properly clear the ball.

Hume City pressed to find the winner as the clock ticked down, substitute Michael Domfeh nearly scoring with his first touch after coming onto the ground, before Rob Harker’s attempt just outside the box went just wide.

Harker was the centre of attention shortly after when he looked to have been brought down in the box as Hume City’s appeals for a penalty went unanswered.

Domfeh then came close again to securing the winner in extra time, but his impressive header sailed just wide of the post as Hume City eventually settled for the 1-1 draw with Altona.

Hume City now turns its attention to its big clash with current league leaders Heidelberg United FC at Nasiol Stadium on Friday 20 June, in what is new coach Nick Hegarty’s first game in charge.