By Matthew McNamara

Hume City lauched its NPL campaign in blistering fashion with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Pascoe Vale at Broadmeadows Valley Park on Sunday.

Goals to captain Nick Hegarty and Johnny Stojcevski saw Hume City head into the rooms 2-0 up at halftime, before new signing Petar Franjic scored after the break.

In front of a crowd of over 800 people, Hume started well and opened the scoring through Hegarty, when he picked up the ball just outside the area and hammered home a strike that narrowly beat the outstretched arms of Stefaan Sardelic.

HIGHLIGHTS: Hume City v Pascoe Vale

Moments later Hume doubled its lead with what will no doubt be a contender for goal of the season.

Left-back Stojcevski hit a stunning 40-yard pile driver which sailed into the top corner and sent the home fans into delirium.

Shortly after the break, Pascoe Vale created what was to be one of its few chances as Luca Santilli's close-range strike look destined to fly into the net, but Hume keeper Chris Oldfield had other ideas and made an unbelievable save to deny the marksman.

The game was sealed for Hume just after the hour mark when star signing Richie Cardozo delivered a sweet ball into the area for former Melbourne Victory defender Petar Franjic, who nodded home with a powerful diving header.

Another ex-Melbourne Victory player, Michael Ferrante, came close for Pascoe Vale late on, but his long-range free kick sailed just wide.

Pascoe Vale boss Vitale Ferrante was visibly upset with his team’s opening performance.

"I thought we were second to the ball today and they were up for it - certainly more than us,” Ferrante said.

Hume City coach Louie Acevski was pleased with his charges’ efforts but encouraged them not to get carried away.

"Look it's a great win first up but let's not forget it's only Round 1,” Acevski said.

"We have had a solid pre-season and I think that showed today. The boys were strong the whole 90 minutes.”

MATCH DETAILS

FT: Hume City 3 (Hegarty 18’, Stojcevski 25’, P. Franjic 65’) defeated Pascoe Vale 0
HT: 2-0

Hume City: Oldfield (GK), Erdogan, P. Franjic, Rexhepi, J. Franjic, Cardozo, Hegarty, Guerrero (Turner 81’), Marinos (Bonne 15'), Altundag (Buceto 61'), Stojcevski

Unused Subs: Turgut, Alexandrow-Ridley (GK)

Cards: Nil

Pascoe Vale: Sardelic (GK), Talarico, Megic, Recchia (Voulgaris 82'), Di Vito, L. Santilli (Lazarides 70'), Youssef, Luttmer, Carrillo, Pistininzi (Van't Schip 46'), Ferrante

Unused Subs: M. Santilli, Sozer (GK)

Cards: Nil