Box Hill United SC 3 – 1 Kingston City
National Premier Leagues Victoria 3 | 19 June 2026

Box Hill United SC produced a dominant performance at home to defeat Kingston City 3–1 in a crucial National Premier Leagues Victoria 3 clash on Saturday evening. The result strengthened the home side’s push for the upper half of the standings, while Kingston City were left to rue a slow start that proved costly.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Box Hill United seized the initiative. Their high press and quick transitions troubled the Kingston City defence from the first minute. The home side broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when striker Liam O’Shea latched onto a through ball and slotted past the goalkeeper. The goal settled any early nerves and set the tone for a commanding first half.

Kingston City tried to respond, enjoying spells of possession in midfield, but they lacked the final pass to break through a well-organised Box Hill backline. The pressure told in the 33rd minute when Box Hill doubled their advantage. A sweeping counter-attack ended with winger Jake Morales cutting inside and firing a low drive into the far corner.

Key Moments

• 14’ – Box Hill 1-0: O’Shea’s clinical finish from a defence-splitting pass.
• 33’ – Box Hill 2-0: Morales’ precise shot from the edge of the box.
• 58’ – Box Hill 3-0: A set-piece header from defender Michael Tran after a corner.
• 78’ – Kingston City 3-1: A consolation goal from substitute Chris Dempsey, pouncing on a rebound.

The second half began with Box Hill United looking to kill off the contest. Their third goal arrived just before the hour mark – a powerful header from centre-back Michael Tran, who rose highest at a corner kick. Kingston City’s response was muted until the 78th minute, when a rare defensive lapse allowed Dempsey to reduce the deficit. But Box Hill managed the closing stages professionally, denying the visitors any chance of a comeback.

Tactical Story

Box Hill United’s coach set up the side in a 4-3-3 formation that maximised width and counter-attacking speed. The midfield trio of Daniel Vu, Samir Patel and Ryan Cartwright controlled the central areas, cutting off supply lines to Kingston City’s playmaker. Kingston, usually comfortable in possession, were forced into long balls and struggled to build sustained pressure. Box Hill’s defensive discipline, particularly from the full-backs, limited Kingston’s wing play effectively.

Standout Players

• Liam O’Shea (Box Hill United): The striker’s movement created constant problems, earning him a goal and an assist.
• Jake Morales (Box Hill United): A constant threat on the flank; his goal and overall work rate were outstanding.
• Michael Tran (Box Hill United): Solid in defence and decisive from set pieces with his headed goal.
• Chris Dempsey (Kingston City): The substitute gave his team a lifeline with a well-taken goal, but it proved too little, too late.

Table and Season Impact

The 3–1 win moves Box Hill United SC up to 5th in the National Premier Leagues Victoria 3 standings, just three points behind the promotion playoff places. Kingston City remain in the lower half of the table, now winless in their last four matches. Both sides will need to address inconsistency as the season enters its decisive mid‑year phase. Box Hill’s next fixture is a tough away trip to league leaders Brunswick City, while Kingston City return home to face North Geelong Warriors in a critical battle for momentum.