ALTONA hockey club’s State League One team’s run of disappointing results continued with a 3-2 loss at home to Doncaster.

Both teams entered the game on one win from three matches, with a victory needed to stay in touch with the top four.

Turnovers frustrated the Altona side with captain Matthew Guest venting his feelings after the match.

“This is State League One, we can’t cough the ball up like that, as sides will punish us,” he said.

“Eliminating or at least minimising turnovers will greatly enhance our chances of winning.”

The first half was a tight tussle, with countless attacks and penalty corners at both ends.

With Olympic Bronze medallist Andrew Smith and current junior Kookaburra Justin Ellis in their side, Doncaster were always going to be dangerous, with the home crowd impressed with Altona’s backline efforts.

The 0-0 half time score line was quickly broken after the break, with Altona captain Matthew Guest converting some fantastic team play to take a 1-0 lead.

Though Smith’s brilliance was starting to show, Doncaster quickly drew level through a penalty corner conversion.

Both sides had many scoring opportunities for the next 10 minutes, but neither forward line could find the back of the net. Eventually Doncaster converted another penalty corner conversion to take the lead.

With only 10 minutes remaining, an Altona turnover was pounced on by the Doncaster midfield, and a quick break caught the Altona defence napping.

The third goal put the game beyond Altona’s reach, and despite a late goal to striker Tyson Priddle, Doncaster were not challenged in the final minutes.