By Chris Hearn (@_ChrisHearn)

A second-half Opeksiy Khrapko goal handed Avondale Heights its eighth win in succession against a Box Hill United that dominated much of the match on Saturday afternoon.

The victory takes the league leaders eight points clear of Sunshine George Cross as the latter’s Round 10 match against Springvale White Eagles finished goalless.

Taking a similar narrative to the defeat to Sunshine last week, Box Hill had enough chances to pull two or three ahead before succumbing to a late goal and failing to work its way back into the contest.



An early flurry saw the visitors dominate the first half, but they paid for missing some gilt-edged chances as the hosts fought their way back into the contest after the break.

Box Hill forward Chris Irwin did brilliantly to round Anthony Saric as early as the third minute, but the empty net was not breached as he struggled for balance and shot wide.

The home side looked to make the visitors pay for the miss, as Jason Principato's left-footed strike flew inches wide of goal.

Box Hill got into its rhythm and began to fire on all cylinders. Anthony Ramzy's shot was blocked before Damien Peters inexplicably miscued his effort after lively forward Kenjok Athiu played the midfielder through on goal.

The half drew to a close with Box Hill thoroughly in the ascendency, but would soon be taught one of the oldest lessons in the book.

Burakhan Koca and Resit Culcologlu were at their bullocking best in midfield, helping Avondale Heights strangle every Box Hill attack.

Avondale Heights capitalised on its first goalscoring opportunity to land the killer blow.

Koca's cross found Khrapko, and after an initial scramble, the striker found his feet to power home past Alexander Pavlidis, who was unmoved in the Box Hill goal.

Chances dried up at both ends, with frustration boiling over in the final 15 minutes as Josh Valadon was particularly lucky to escape a red card after clearly striking out at Anthony Strano, after he clattered into the goalscorer Khrapko.

Avondale Heights coach Anthony Barbieri was pleased with the professionalism his side showed.



"It's a game of opportunities, whoever takes them probably ends up laughing at the end of the day," Barbieri said.

He also reserved special praise for his midfield.

"Koca was brilliant, probably the best game he's played for the club. Resit (Culcologlu) has got some tenacity. To be honest, I haven't seen it at this (NPL1) level."

Box Hill coach Arthur Georgiou lamented the glut of chances his side failed to take advantage of.



"When we miss gilt-edged chances we tend to drop our heads," Georgiou said.

"It comes down to maturity, it comes down to confidence. You have got to give credit to the opposition as well.”

MATCH DETAILS

Avondale Heights 1 (Khrapko 61') defeated Box Hill United 0 at Avondale Heights Reserve [HT: 0-0]

Avondale Heights: 1. Anthony SARIC, 6. Anthony STRANO, 7. Andrew LE PAGE (5. Andrew SACCHETTA 90'), 8. Bosin GEORGEVSKI, 10. Burakhan KOCA, 15. Zoran PAJIC, 19. Jason PRINCIPATO, 24. Resit CULCULOGLU 31. Michele CRAZIA, 33. Dean CAMPELJ, 34. Opeksiy KHRAPKO (11. Bale MICOVSKI 86')

Substitutes not used: 14. Daniel SLOVACEK, 20. John SCOLLO (GK)

Yellow cards: Koca BURAKHAN 80', Dean CAMPELJ 81'

Red cards: None

Box Hill United: 4. Chris IRWIN, 7. Damien PETERS, 10. Rinor MURIQI, 12. Adrian DEL MONACO, 14. Kenjok ATHIU, 10. Rinor MURIQI, 18. Anthony RAMZY (8. Sam CATHERINE 71'), 20. Josh BUSCH (3. Matt COLLIER 69'), 22. Nick KOKOLAKIS, 23. Josh VALADON, 26. Aaron PORCARO, 35. Alexander PAVLIDIS

Substitutes not used: 2. Nicola SURDOSKI, 17. Bailey ROW, 21. Christian PAVLIDIS

Yellow cards: Kenjok ATHIU 81'

Red cards: None

Image credit: Mark Avellino