By Sean Ellicott (@seanellicott)

Kingston City has kicked off its 2015 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating NPL 1 newcomers Nunawading City 4-0 at The Grange Reserve on Monday Night.

Stelios Konstantinidis handed the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break before new signings Damian Iaconis and Sean McIlroy completed the rout in the second half.

It was a tough introduction to the NPL for Nick Dimitrakis’ side, who found themselves a goal down after eleven minutes.

Punishing an error in defence, Konstantinidis – played through on goal – opened his side’s account for 2015, slotting the ball past Keegan Coulter in goals

The hosts sought to make the most of their fast start as Iaconis flashed a duo of opportunities on goal following the opener, but to no avail.

A period of consolidation followed the 20-minute-mark as the game fell into its rhythm.

With Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou watching on, spectators witnessed their first sights of Nunawading City as the youthful side displayed its possession-based brand of football

Kingston though proved too good in all aspects as Nick Tolios’ men doubled the advantage eight minutes before the break.

Konstantinidis was rewarded for his persistence, dribbling his way into the penalty area before completing his brace with a tap-in following some lax defending and a one-two combination with Iaconis.

Iaconis then netted his side’s third only 90 seconds after the break.

Turning provider, Konstantanidis’ cross was met by the head of the teenager, coolly finishing his effort at the near post.

Three minutes were all Kingston had to wait for its next as McIlroy - played in on goal by Iaconis – slotted City’s fourth in via Coulter’s outstretched palm.

Despite dominating possession and conjuring a number of chances, an elusive fifth goal never surfaced for Kingston.

Iaconis blazed an exceptional opportunity over the bar from close range while Laurent Coralie had his strike deflected following an eye-catching piece of play.

Notwithstanding the four-nil score line, Nunawading continued to exercise its tactics and enjoyed a fruitful period of possession mid-way through the second half.

Kingston ‘keeper Fraser Maclaren was forced into a fine save while Nick Teichmann’s tracking back denied Nunawading of an almost certain goal.

Next week Kingston City hosts Box Hill United while Nunawading will travel to Burwood to play Eastern Lions.

 

MATCH DETAILS

Kingston City 4 (Konstantinidis 11’ 38’, Iaconis 46’, McIlroy 50’) defeated Nunawading City 0 at The Grange Reserve [HT 2-0]

Kingston City XI: 1. Fraser MACLAREN (GK), 2. George STAVRIDIS, 3. Kemal CURAN, 4. James KARVELIS, 5. Nick TEICHMANN, 14. Damian IACONIS, 17. Laurent CORALIE, 16. Nicholas STAMATIOU, 8. Deniz SABANOVSKI (10. Jamie DE SMIT 73’), 11. Stelios KONSTANTINIDIS (7. Benjamin OSEI-SAFO 81’), 9. Sean McIlroy (18. Gino DEFEO 87’).

Unused Substitutes: 13. Douglas LINDBERG, 20. Johnny ANDRINOPOULOS.

Yellow Cards: McIlroy (42’).

Red Cards: None

Nunawading City XI: 1. Keegan COULTER (GK), 2. Sam MAZZOLINI, 4. Ben Harvey ROBINSON, 10. Ivan SKORICH, 12. Chris GURR, 23. Jack GOW, 7. Anthony GIANNOPOULOS (17. David MOROVIC 54’), 8. Ming-En CUI, 5. Peter EVANGELAKOS (3. Trung LUU 74’), 15. Jordan TEMPLIN, 11. Daniel PATTERSON (6. Jack LOUZIOTIS 63’).

Unused Substitutes: 22. Dyan TORVIT.

Yellow Cards: Skorich (27’).

Red Cards: None

PHOTO: Simon Dunster / The Sporting WALL