By Tim McGlone

Box Hill United romped to comprehensive 3-0 victory over FC Bendigo at Wembley Park on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Josh Valadon, Kenny Athiu and Rinor Muriqi helped United consolidate second spot on the ladder eight rounds into the NPL 1 season.

Bendigo, which had come into the clash on the back of two consecutive wins, was dealt a big blow when star midfielder Matthew Breeze was ruled out due to hamstring soreness.

Jono Ryan replaced Breeze in the midfield for Bendigo, who looked to be lacking the sharpness of recent performances.

Box Hill dominated possession early and nearly went ahead after 10 minutes when Athiu’s clever backheel was deflected away by ‘keeper Sebastian Mattei.

From the resulting corner Valadon found space and headed the ball into the back of the net to give United the lead.

Valadon almost scored an identical goal just minutes later, when he again got on the end of Muriqi’s corner, only to be denied by the crossbar.

Bendigo’s defence was under immense pressure, but did well to keep the home side at bay.

Mattei made several important saves, including one from Athiu’s spectacular overhead attempt.

Bendigo almost conceded straight from the restart, when Josh Romein slipped to allow Athiu in. The lanky striker chose to pass despite having the goal at his mercy, with Muriqi’s eventual effort going well over.

Much like the first half, Box Hill dominated but was unable to find a finishing touch to its play.

Sam Catherine spurned a great opportunity when he headed wide from close range, while Chris Irwin blasted a shot into the crossbar following Valadon’s corner.

With 10 minutes to go, Athiu was finally able to secure the all-important second goal, when he rounded Mattei before running the ball into the back of the net.

Muriqi sealed the win a few minutes later with a sumptuous chip over Mattei.

Box Hill United coach Arthur Georgiou was very happy to come away with the three points

“We created a lot of chances, we probably should have scored a few more,” Georgiou said.

“That being said, 3-0 with a performance like that, I certainly would have taken before the start of the game, so I’m very happy.”

FC Bendigo coach Steve Martin said the game was a learning curve for his players.

“It was a really big test for us today to see where we are and where we need to be,” Martin said.

“We were confident coming into the game because we’ve had a couple of wins and also four or five weeks of good performances, so to lose with a few lapses in concentration like we did was very disappointing.”

FC Bendigo faces Springvale next week, while Box Hill is away to Sunshine George Cross.

MATCH DETAILS

Box Hill United 3 (Valadon 13’, Athiu 80’, Muriqi 82’) defeated FC Bendigo 0 at Wembley Park [HT: 1-0]

BOX HILL UNITED: 35. Alex PAVLIDIS (GK), 23. Josh VALADON, 22. Nick KOKALAKIS, 20. Josh BUSCH, 18. Anthony RAMZY (5. Alex SCHROEN 61’), 14. Kenny ATHIU, 12. Adrian DEL MONACO, 10. Rinor MURIQI, 8. Sam CATHERINE (7. Damian PETERS 83’), 4. Chris IRWIN, 16. Christian LAR (26. Aaron POCARO 89’).

Unused substitutes: 17. Bailey ROW, 21. Christian PAVLIDIS

Cautions: Nil

FC BENDIGO: 1. Sebastian MATTEI (GK), 2. Tom SHAPER, 5. Josh ROMEIN (3. Daniel REES 88’), 6. Alon BLUMGART, 7. Trent WATERSON, 8. Victor RODRIGUEZ, 9. George SLEFENDORFAS (32. Josh DWYER 88’), 17. Jono RYAN (11. Amara KROMAH 69’), 13. Finn HUZZEY, 14. Ryan DAVIDSON, 16. Steve MARTIN

Unused substitutes: 12. Josh NAUNTON, 22. Chris XERRI.

Cautions: Nil

Pictured: Box Hill United's Kenny Athiu (Image credit: Mark Avellino)