By Andrew Bishara (@_andrewbishara)

Josh Valadon was the hero for Box Hill United as it recorded a tough 1-0 win over Moreland Zebras at a rain-drenched Wembley Park on Saturday.

The heavy rain began to pour early in the first half as United took complete control of the game, but it had to wait until the second period for Valadon’s winner.

The hosts were unlucky not to have opened the scoring when Chris Irwin’s 30-yard rocket smashed off the crossbar.

The visitors then had a golden chance during a free-kick scramble when United ‘keeper Alexander Pavlidis spilt the ball right to the feet of Joel Nikolic, but his shot went wide.

United responded through striker Rinor Muriqi, whose shot was pushed around the post by Zebras ‘keeper Alex Stojanovski.

It was then Nick Kokolakis’ turn to take his chances, first seeing his 20-yard drive going just wide of the goal, and then having his tight-angled shot being saved by Stojanovski.

As the second half kicked off, United continued to dominate possession, but struggled to break a deep-defending Zebras.

The hosts’ pressure finally paid off in the 63rd minute when Valadon stormed unmarked into the box to header in from a corner to break the deadlock.

As the match opened up, United found more spaces to exploit, but couldn’t find the second goal to seal the game.

Damien Peters had his close strike blocked by Stojanovski, before Kenny Athiu broke through the Zebras defence, but his bouncing shot just missed the post.

Try as it might Moreland could not regain control and break through the United defence as the home team secured the three points.

Box Hill coach Arthur Georgiou was pleased with his team’s victory despite not following it up with another goal-glut following its 7-1 win over Whittlesea Ranges last week.

“Totally pleased with the win,” Georgiou said.

“Our indicators today were closer to 100 per cent than last week and we only scored one goal this week. So yes, I’m very pleased.”

Georgiou said he knew his team would not succumb to its weakness - dominating games and missing gilt-edged chances before conceding soft goals.

“We were more confident this week because of all the discussions we’ve had in the last three to four weeks, and we asked them [the players] to prove it today. And they did,” he said.

Zebras coach Danny Gnjidic said his charges’ short break between games hurt them, but he was pleased with their effort.

“I was always worried we had a shorter break with a Sunday game,” Gnjidic said.

“We tried to freshen it up this week, but I thought we would struggle.

“But we applied ourselves and I couldn’t question the players’ commitment, as we only let ourselves down in one set piece and that’s the difference.”

MATCH DETAILS

Box Hill United 1 (Josh Valadon 63’) defeated Moreland Zebras 0 at Wembley Park [HT: 0-0]

BOX HILL UNITED: 35. Alexander PAVLIDIS (GK), 23. Josh VALADON, 22. Nick KOKOLAKIS, 44. Michael GERACE (29. George HOWARD  76’), 10. Rinor MURIQI, 7. Damien PETERS, 12. Adrian DEL MONACO, 4. Chris IRWIN, 2. Nicola SURDOSKI (5. Alex SCHROEN 83’), 14. Kenjok ATHIU (16. Christian LAR 91’), 26. Aaron PORCARO

Unused Subs: 21. Christian PAVLIDIS, 6. Benjamin VAHID

Yellow Cards: SCHROEN 93’

Red Cards: Nil

Moreland Zebras: 1. Alex STOJANOVSKI (GK), 7. Scott ROBSON, 16. Mile MEDJEDOVIC, 18. Adam CENTOFANTI, 3. Johnny CRIVELLI, 5. Nick SYMEOY, 9. Joel NIKOLIC, 11. Danny CHARALAMBOUS (10. Danillo BONILLO-OSPINA 63’), 14. James PAPADIMITRIOU (12. Josh MCMONAGLE-IHASZ 73’), 15. Evan BATSIS (13. Mario PIRIANO 46’) 19. Bradley MURRAY

Unused Subs: 21. Francesco GRECO, 17. Jack TURNER

Yellow Cards: NIKOLIC 58’

Red Cards: Nil.

Image credit: Mark Avellino