It was the Magic's first loss for the year in the Victorian Premier League.

The reigning champions started strongly and created three decent goal-scoring chances but were unable to convert.

It allowed Bentleigh to ease into the match.

The home side managed to strike a killer blow moments before the half-time break when Damir Lokvancic pounced on some sloppy Magic defending to score what proved to be the winning goal.

Magic captain Pece Siveski said it was especially disappointing to lose as his side "dominated the first half".

"We created two or three really good chances and, as in the last two rounds, our failure to convert cost us greatly in the end," Siveski said.

"In the end it was a disappointing effort all round and the goal we conceded came from a lapse of concentration at the back, which we definitely aren't pleased with."

Siveski hopes his side can bounce back.

He said a win was crucial for to remove the "psychological pressure" mounting on his teammates.

"The longer we go on without a win the more difficult things start to become and players tend to rush things on the pitch when they feel under pressure to win," Siveski said.

"I think it is crucial that we get that first win of the season so we can build our confidence and I think we will be OK once that happens."

Magic now faces hard-hitting Northcote, which has also failed to natch up a win in three rounds.

Siveski is confident his side will win.

"It will be a bit different this week as the onus will be on us to win the game, but I'm very confident we can do the

business and get that first win," he said.

"We need to regroup, have a good week out on the track and play an aggressive match and I'm sure we'll do the job."

The game is at Paisley Park this Sunday with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.