By Sean Ellicott (@SeanEllicott)

FC Bulleen Lions enjoyed a hard-fought victory at David Barro Stadium, defeating Moreland Lions 2-0 in its opening NPL 1 match on Monday night.

The Lions found themselves on the back foot for majority of the contest but goals on either side of the interval from Gianni De Nittis and Joseph Katebian saw them grab the three points.

Moreland controlled the majority of the affair in the early stages of the game, conjuring up a few half-chances, notably via Evan Batsis, who struck the ball at the keeper from inside 18 yards.

HIGHLIGHTS: Bulleen Lions v Moreland Zebras

Moreland's James Papadimitriou would have considered himself fortunate to avoid a yellow card in an attempt to maintain the visitors’ early pressure, lunging into a tackle with his studs raised.

Undeterred by Moreland's early pressure, it was Bulleen which took the lead with its first genuine sight on goal.

Swift on the counter attack and breaching Moreland’s high line, an excellent ball placed over the top by Matthew Dimech found the feet of Takanori Nishimoto, who was hugging the left touchline.

Carrying the ball into the box, Nishimoto's precise cut-back found De Nittis, who comfortably finished first time into the bottom corner from six yards, sending the Lions up 1-0 after 21 minutes.

The goal appeared to even out the contest but it was Moreland which controlled the majority of the possession but was unable to break down a disciplined Bulleen outfit.

Upon the restart of play, the second interval carried on in very much the same manner as the first.

Moreland continued its push towards goal, maintaining and playing possession around the penalty area and searching for a breakthrough.

Batsis had a golden opportunity to capitalise after a defensive header was incorrectly dealt with, but his snap shot on the volley struck the side netting and was met with groans from the visiting fans.

Earning a clean sheet on debut, Bulleen custodian Fraser Maclaren was forced into a sublime save as he parried away a powerful left-footed drive from Scott Robson.

The game then began to open up as the visitors increased their movement forward in the search of an equaliser.

Absorbing all of Moreland's pressure up until the 70th minute, the Lions were able to extend their advantage again on the counter, with Katebian firing the ball into the top corner.

Playing with confidence, Bulleen controlled the remainder of the game and could have even extend its lead with Katebian generating a lively 10-minute spell in front of goal.

Bulleen coach Fabrizio Soncin was pleased with his side’s performance and said his squad would only get better as the season progresses.

"First off all I'm happy that we won,” Soncin said.

"We scored two goals and we didn't concede any so we deserved to win.

"My only concern was that we were turning over possession a bit too easily at times when I think we needed to keep the ball.

"But at the end of the day, first game, players were a little bit nervous as well but it’s a work in progress."

Moreland coach Danny Gnjidic was disappointed with the result but made clear the Zebras’ top-two aspirations.

"We were beaten 2-0 so pretty disappointed,” Gnjidic said.

"I thought at some stage we'd at least get a goal and be good value for a draw but it wasn't to be and the second goal killed the game and they controlled it from there on in.

"They were clinical in front of goal and we weren't. I think the teams probably cancelled each other out in every other part of the game and they took their chances when they came.

"We consider ourselves as a threat for the top two and that doesn't change after tonight, it’s a long season and we'll keep working towards that."

MATCH DETAILS

FT: FC Bulleen Lions 2 (De Nittis 21’, Katebian 74’) defeated Moreland Zebras 0 at David Barro Stadium [HT:1-0]

Bulleen XI: Fraser MACLAREN (GK), Dean ROMAS, Samual BORGHESI, Lewis WADDELL, Matteo BALLAN, Bardhi HYSOLI, Takanori NISHIMOTO, Gianni DE NITTIS, Matthew DIMECH, Davide CARDAMONE,  Joseph KATEBIAN

Substitutes: Dean LORENZI, Edison PONARI, Joshua SABIDUSSI, Gian TAPIA

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Moreland XI: Ally STOJANOVSKI (GK), Mile MEDJEDOVIC, Nick SYMEOY, Simon TOLLI, Simon PAPADIMITRIOU, Johnny CRIVELLI, Danillu OSOINNA, Adam CENTOFANTI, Scott ROBSON, Evan BATSIS, Robert ARMELLINI

Substitutes: Liam BRIAN, Angus MARTIN, Jack TURNER, Mariu PIPIANO, Nikola KOSTADINOVSKI

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Pictured: Bulleen and Moreland do battle at David Barro Stadium (image credit: Aleksandar Jason Photography)