Kingston City produced a stellar performance to upset third-placed Richmond 3-1 at The Grange Reserve on Monday night. 

Goals from Max Etheridge, Nick Stamatiou and Velibor Mitrovic were enough for City to snap a four-game winless run, with Ryan Opperman’s stunning lob proving to be merely a consolation goal for a disappointing Richmond. 

Richmond had gone into the match as the in-form side of the competition, having collected seven wins from their previous eight encounters.

But the hosts seemed unfazed by the tag of underdogs, and almost took the lead after just three minutes when Stelios Konstantinidis’ effort rattled the crossbar. 

With the match being played at a frenetic pace, Kingston looked likeliest to score in the first half. 

Etheridge almost scored just before half-time when his mistimed cross whizzed centimetres over the crossbar, with Richmond keeper Ed Chadwick seemingly beaten. 

Aaron Purcell went close immediately after play began in the second half. 

The classy midfielder’s shot went just wide of the post following a sharp move from the visitors. 

Kingston continued to attack in the second half as they did in the first, and almost took the lead when Andrew Doig’s deflected shot struck the side netting. 

From the resulting corner Chadwick was again called into action, this time tipping Etheridge’s goal-bound header over the crossbar. 

City final had the goal they deserved just prior to the hour mark, when Velibor Mitrovic slotted home coolly after an errant clearance landed at his feet.

Moments later George Stavridis made an important sliding tackle, before playing an excellent ball forward for Nick Stamatiou. 

The midfielder was left with a simple finish to give the hosts an unlikely two goal lead.

Kingston celebrations were short lived however when a few minutes later, Ryan Opperman latched onto a long clearance from defence. 

The Richmond youngster struck an audacious 20-yard chip over an onrushing Sermin Sadikovski to breathe life back into the contest.

Moments later Richmond almost drew level, with Sadikovski diving low to his right to deny Josh Knight. 

Richmond pressed many men forward in search of an equaliser, and were left short at the back when Etheridge tapped home after a terrific bit of play from substitute Gino Defeo. 

Kingston continued to press and could have scored again, with Chadwick making saves to deny Mitrovic and Konstsatinidis late. 

City coach Nick Tolios was pleased his side were able to record a win at home.  

“We’ve had some really bad performances at home in recent weeks, and I put the pressure on them all throughout the week to play well tonight,” Tolios said.

“For our young guys to play like they did tonight, I’m very proud of them.”

The result was Kingston’s second win over Richmond this season, following the 5-0 drubbing back in April that led to Grant Brebner’s departure as head coach.

Next week Richmond host FC Bendigo, whilst Kingston City travel over the Westgate to take on North Geelong Warriors.

MATCH DETAILS 

Kingston City 3 (Mitrovic 58’, Stamatiou 62’, Etheridge 73’) defeated Richmond 1 (Opperman 67’)

Kingston City: 13. Sermin SADIKOVSKI (GK), 11. George STAVRIDIS, 2. Peter LORD, 6. Nick MODAFFARI (3. Stacy TSALKOS 78’) 14. Arthur PAPADAPOULOS (15. Gino DEFEO 67'), 5. Kemal CURAN, 7. Velibor MITROVIC, 16. Nick STAMATIOU (20. Nick MILIARESIS 87’), 12. Stelios KONSTANTINIDIS, 19. Andrew DOIG 9. Max ETHERIDGE.

Subs unused: 1. Nicholaus WOOLWARD. 4 James KARVELIS,

Yellow cards: George Stavridis, 42’

Red cards: None

Richmond SC: 1. Edward CHADWICK (gk), 2. Andrew GOFF, 6. Vincent BONTEMPS, 14. Sebastian PETROVIC, 5. Rylan SADLER (15. Sam SHEPPARD 75’), 8. Josh KNIGHT, 16. Mitch BEAMISH,(4. Peter SAWAN 56’) 10. Tim PURCELL, 12. Ryan OPPERMAN (17. Alex TABOR 72’), 7. Hamlet ARMENIAN, 9. Tom CAHILL

Unused Subs: 20. Stephen HATZIKOURIS, 18. George TSAKALAKIS

Yellow Cards: Vincent BONTEMPS 50’, Rylan SADLER 61’, Tim PURCELL 70’

Red Cards: None