By: CHRIS HEARN (@_ChrisHearn)

Whittlesea Ranges' first-half blitz has paved the way for a 3-0 win against Box Hill United at Epping Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Goals to Matthew Iuliano and Attila Ofli broke the visitors' resistance with great precision in the first period, before Matthew Kundevski sealed the win in stoppage time of the second half.

Vinko Buljubasic's young squad took control of the contest from the early stages, soaking up opposition pressure and counter attacking with great effectiveness.

Whittlesea speedster Tolomeo completely outpaced Alex Shroen on Box Hill's right, but as he shaped to pass to the unmarked Ofli, he slipped and the ball rolled out harmlessly for a goal kick.

Minutes later, Tolomeo would get another chance in an almost identical situation to create the game's first goal. He had Shroen isolated again, the move ending with Iuliano's poke home after the winger's excellent cross.

On 30 minutes, Ranges would double their lead through Ofli. Mario Pirania's intelligent pass into Matthew Cundari's feet allowed him to play in his strike partner, chipping an excellent pass over defender Christian Lar to fire home past goalkeeper Tyler Davidson.

Early in the second half, Tolomeo should have made it three to Ranges. Stefan Baricevic played him in, and two consecutive efforts were parried. The ball miraculously came back for a third time, and Tolomeo could only find the inside of the post and the danger was cleared.

Ofli and Tolomeo were both denied at the last through some desperate Box Hill defending while Ranges coach Buljubasic opted for the pace of substitute Daniel Peluso to stretch an already weary Box Hill defence.

The visitors rallied, quelling Ranges' attacking prowess and launching a few ultimately unsuccessful attacking forays of their own. Adam Skowronski gave Box Hill an outlet to run in behind the defence, which kept the hosts accountable at the very least.

Ofli's volley from substitute Sami Nour's cross was wayward, the striker missing the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining.

Kundevski added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time, converting from fellow substitute Peluso's cross to cap off a high quality team performance.

Ranges host Moreland City at home next Saturday while Box Hill make the short trip to Burwood to face the Eastern Lions.

MATCH DETAILS

Whittlesea Ranges 3 (Iuliano 20', Ofli 31', Kundevski 90+4') defeated Box Hill United 0 at Epping Stadium [HT 2-0]

Whittlesea Ranges: 1. Gian TAPIA, 2. Pavle DURKIC, 4. Mario PIRANIA (15. Matthew KUNDEVSKI 81’), 6. Andrew TAYLOR, 7. Matthew CUNDARI, 10. Matthew IULIANO (11. Sami NOUR 76'), 17. Stefan BARICEVIC, 19. Adem MUSTADANAGIC, 20. Tobias HAEGELE, 23. Giosue TOLOMEO (9. Daniel PELUSO 66'), 15. Atilla OFLI

Unused substitutes: 5. Daniel SOTIROPOULOS, 27. Jarrod HILL

Yellow cards: Giosue TOLOMEO 48'

Red cards: Nil

Box Hill United: 35. Taylor DAVIDSON (1. Sam GRIGG 46'), 5. Alex SCHROEN, 11. Sebastian BARRERO, 18. Joey CALDERONE, 8. Caleb LUDLOW, 24. Shaun PETERSON, 25. Michael GODFREY, 17. Aaron PORCARO (21. Travis CHALK-HATTON 66'), 10. Franc CARAFA, 15. Jerome COSTANZO, 19. Christian LAR (9. Adam SKOWRONSKI 46')

Unused substitutes: 2. Nikola SURDOSKI, 20. George KALAS, 21. Travis CHALK-HATTON

Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil