Broadmeadow Magic suffered their first defeat of the 2026 Australian Championship campaign on Saturday afternoon, going down 2-1 to Wests APIA in a top-of-the-table clash.
APIA hit the ground running, dominating the opening exchanges and creating several opportunities to test Magic goalkeeper Noah James.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 28th minute when James initially denied Jack Stewart's strike but the ball fell to Marques Walters, who converted from the third rebound to give APIA a 1-0 lead.
Magic looked to respond six minutes later after Jack Simmons was brought down just outside the penalty area. Jarred Baker stepped up to take the free kick but his effort was comfortably collected by APIA goalkeeper Oliver Kalac.
APIA continued to threaten throughout the remainder of the first half but were unable to extend their advantage, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Broadmeadow emerged from half-time with renewed energy and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when they found the equaliser.
Bailey Wells played the ball to Riley Smith just outside the penalty area, with Smith bursting past his defenders and into the box before driving the ball across goal and into the bottom-right corner.
With Magic building momentum, APIA refused to back down as the contest developed into an end-to-end battle.
The visitors eventually regained the lead in the 74th minute after Jakob Cresnar conceded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Jordan Segreto stepped up and calmly curled his effort into the top corner to make it 2-1.
Magic pushed hard for another equaliser, with Wells coming close in the 93rd minute, only for Kalac to quickly shut down the opportunity.
Despite their late push, Broadmeadow were unable to find a second equaliser, suffering their first defeat of the campaign and slipping to second on the table.
They will look to return to winning ways when they welcome Avondale FC to Magic Park in round five.