Gaffney Match Preview: Essendon Royals welcome South Yarra in Nike FC Cup
Essendon Royals will face a tough test of their credentials when they take on Victorian Women’s Premier League outfit South Yarra in Round 4 of the Nike FC cup on Saturday at JH Allan Reserve.
The Royals were comfortable winners in Round 3, enjoying an 8-1 win over State League 3 side Fawkner SC.
With the goals shared around the side, the Royals put in a brilliant shift last weekend and will be looking to replicate that on Saturday.
However, coach Vince Battiato will be aware that taking on South Yarra will be an entirely different proposition.
When the ill-fated 2021 season was cancelled, South Yarra was sitting in third place in the VWPL – one division higher than the Royals – with an impressive record of seven wins, two draws and just two losses from 11 games.
Grace Kim in particular proved a massive goal threat, bagging eight goals in just seven games.
South Yarra booked their spot in Round 4 of the Nike FC cup with a big 3-0 win over fellow VWPL outfit Eltham Redbacks courtesy of a hat-trick from Michelle Urabe who scored in the third, 68th and 72nd minutes of the game.
In 2022, the VPWL outfit will be led by a new coach in Mark Smit.
Whilst the Royals will be taking on a team from a higher division, they should be well-prepared having spent much of their pre-season taking on VWPL and NPLW teams.
In fact, the Royals got through pre-season undefeated against VWPL opposition.
A 0-0 draw against Preston Lions – who sat in second place at the time of the VWPL cancellation last season – was followed by wins against Whitehorse United and Southern United during pre-season.
Get down to JH Allan this Saturday for a 1pm kick-off and support the girls.
Last Time Out: Essendon Royals 8 Fawkner 1 – Match Highlights: