Kingston City youngster Stelios Konstantinidis expressed his modesty after playing a staring role in his side’s 3-2 victory over Box Hill, with the forward simply “happy to be contributing to the team”.
The 21-year-old helped his side to a perfect start to the game with two classy efforts within the first 15 minutes of their NPL 1 clash on Monday night.
A thunderous strike from outside the box and a breathtaking run down the left side – to which he galloped past his marker and around the keeper – saw the hosts race to a 2-0 lead at The Grange.
“To be honest, it’s still a bit of a blur,” Konstantinidis said when asked about his goals.
“I’m just happy to be contributing to the team getting a result. If I’m scoring goals, I’m happy. But as long as our team is doing well, that’s the main thing.
“I’m just pleased I’ve contributed to our team getting the three points today.”
The side were able to hold on for a hard fought victory after Box Hill came back twice following the Konstantinidis double, and the forward voiced his pleasure at Kingston’s strong start to 2015.
“We’re very happy. We have started the season off well – two wins out of two games – so now we’re just looking to continue the momentum. I’m very happy with our start to the season.”
The former Oakleigh Cannons man was linked to some other NPL clubs in the summer, but sources have suggested he was quick to turn down the offers to stay with his current employers.
“I’m enjoying my time here at Kingston,” Konstantinidis said.
“They took me in last year when I came from Oakleigh and they’ve been loyal to me, so the only thing I can do is be loyal back to them. If I’m playing week in, week out, that’s all I can ask for. I’m thankful to Kingston for giving me that opportunity.”
The star striker’s loyalty looks to have paid off as his extra time on the park and free scoring ability has landed him at the top of the goal scoring tally – with four goals in just two games.
Konstantinidis will be looking to continue his good form against Round Three opponents Eastern Lions, however, he warns it might not be an easy task for his Kingston side.
“They’ve won two out of two games so they’re obviously a very strong team.
“They have some very fast attacking players who are very dangerous so we need to be wary and on our game once again.”
Sunday afternoon’s clash between Eastern Lions and Kingston City is set to be a blockbuster affair. The ladder leaders will fight it out for early season supremacy at Gardiners Creek Reserve, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00pm