NPL 1 East
There was a host of goals in the East edition of the NPL 1, with the round starting off in thrilling fashion. Goulburn Valley Suns showed class to thrash promotion hopefuls Richmond SC 6-0, with Englishman Craig Carley grabbing a hat-trick. Murray United were denied a debut win over Box Hill, as the latter triumphed 3-2, as Eastern Lions did quite the opposite and grabbed a win by the same scoreline in their NPL 1 debut. The round ended with more goals as Kingston City put four unanswered past new boys Nunawading.

Kingston City 4 defeated Nunawading City 0 at The Grange Reserve
Kingston City continued their strong goal scoring form of 2014 with a comprehensive 4-0 win over NPL 1 newbies Nunawading at The Grange Reserve. Stelios Konstantinidis had a double to half-time, with a killer touch setting up a big result for his team. New signing Damian Iaconis had his side’s third just minutes after the restart, before laying on the ball for Sean McIlroy for four.

Goulburn Valley Suns 6 defeat Richmond SC 0 at McEwan Reserve
Goulburn Valley made an early statement, with a stunning 6-0 dismantling of promotion hopefuls Richmond SC. In their first game in the NPL 1, the Suns showed the form of a top-flight outfit as Craig Carley netted a hat-trick; amply supported by Sean Ellis who added a brace, and Adam Scott with the one. It was the Scott and Carley combination that linked up for the opener within 10 minutes, as the former slipped the hat-trick hero in for his first before Ellis rounded the keeper for two. A quick-fire double on the hour mark saw Carley add his second, with Scott again the man to deliver, before going his own a minute later, finishing neatly on his left from inside the area. Carley added his third, and GVS’ fifth, before Scott capped off the result with 10 minutes to play.

Murray United 2 defeated by Box Hill United 3 at La Trobe University
An entertaining contest at La Trobe Uni saw NPL 1 debutants Murray United fall just short of a memorable victory on debut, as they twice lead, before eventually falling 3-2 losers to Box Hill. Adam Waters burst through and scored past new Box Hill number one Alex Connell, to give Murray the best possible start. They were hit with a blow before half-time when Stanislav Goldberg capped a weaving run through the defence with a clinical finish, but Murray struck back with one of the last passages of play in the first half. Zac Walker found himself behind the line, and he capitalized with a clinical low finish. Box Hill ensured there was no fairytale beginning for the new club, as Alex Schroen equalized on 51 minutes, with substitute Lucas Johns afforded too much space on the edge of the area, winning the contest late.

Dandenong City 2 defeated by Eastern Lions 3 at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex
Eastern Lions began life in NPL1 with a surprise 3-2 away win over Dandenong City at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex. Two goals from Nigeria-born forward Philip Ajao proved to be the difference in an entertaining game played in the sweltering Saturday afternoon heat.
David Di Lorio opened the scoring for the home side in the 29th minute with a delightful chip after a great ball through by Chris. However the lead was short-lived as a fantastic volley from defender Thomas Falconer and a brilliant individual effort from Ajao gave the visitors a shock lead heading into the half-time break. Ajao once again proved City’s nemesis when he beat the offside trap to beat City goalkeeper Damir Salcin in the 53th minute before City substitute Ricardo Gonzalez halved the deficit with 15 minutes to go.
Despite late pressure, Aaron Healey’s man were unable to find an equaliser as the Lions hanged on for a memorable victory.