New Box Hill coach kick-starts reign with 1-0 win over Murray

By Andrew Bishara (@_AndrewBishara)

Box Hill United has recorded its first win under new coach Greg Kassidas’ with a 1-0 victory over Murray United at Wembley Park on Saturday afternoon.

Lucas Johns' strike was enough for the hosts to claim the points in a tight contest to see it climb to 18 points after 14 games, nine points ahead of Murray.

There was very little action in the first half, as the hosts controlled possession but failed to muster quality chances.

It needed Johns' stunning goal to break the deadlock.

A swift counter saw Michael Kariuki spray the ball wide to Johns, who cut inside the middle and launched a stunning curling shot that flew into the net.

Murray's best chance fell to Matthew Hasler, who skipped past two Box Hill defenders but drifted out to his weaker foot and his tame effort barely troubled United goalkeeper Alex Connell.

Connell was again at it early in the second period when he denied Murray's Adam Waters one-on-one chance after the striker broke past the hosts’ defensive line.

Johns had chance to get his second when he got on the end of Franc Carafa's pass but could only shoot it right at Murray goalkeeper Nathan Brown.

As the visitors pursued an equaliser, it left open gaps at the back for Box Hill to exploit. Yet United spurred a host of chances.

Carafa had the next two, first curling his shot past the post and then seeing his tight-angle blast pushed over the bar by Brown.

The Murray goalkeeper had to pull a wonderful double save to deny United's Jack Gow, after stopping the winger's first time shot and then parrying away the rebound.

Substitute Travis Chalk-Hatton tried to kill the game off with a cheeky back heel but Brown casually collected his attempt.

The visitors surged in the final minutes but it proved too little to late, as Box Hill took a very valuable three points.

Match details:

Box Hill United 1 (Lucas Johns 11’) defeated Murray United 0 at Wembley Park, Box Hill

Box Hill United: 1: Alex CONNELL (GK), 2. Nikola SURDOSKI, 18: Joey CALDERONE, 25: Michael GODFREY, 15. Chris PAGE, 8: Caleb LUDLOW (16. Jack GOW 77’), 11: Sebastien BARRERO, 23: Dillon JAKUPI (10: Franc CARAFA 70’), 17: Aaron PORCARO, 19. Michael KARIUKI (21: Travis CHALK-HATTON 85’), 14. John LUCAS

Unused Subs: 35. Sam GRIGG, 30. Ollie PATERNO

Murray United: 1. Nathan BROWN (GK), 16. Sean PYE, 23. Ben CHAFFEY, 17. Melkie WOLDEMICHAEL (29. Darcy PAWLIK 70’), 12. Michael JESSUP, 15. Ryan GILES, 5. Ashley DUNN, 13. Josh O’BRIEN (19. Tom MORRISON 43’), 8. James COUTIS, 9. Matthew HASLER, 14. Adam WALTERS (18. Lionel MASUDI 76’)

Unused Subs: 33. Alex WEST, 21. Ben RUSSELL

Yellow Cards: O’BRIEN 40’




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