CSF Match Preview: Essendon Royals play host to Sydenham Park on Good Friday
The Essendon Royals are on hosting duties this Good Friday, as they welcome fellow State League 1 heavyweight Sydenham Park to Cross Keys Reserve.
Despite a good performance last Friday night, the Royals could not take the three points against FC Strathmore, meaning the result on Good Friday has become increasingly important despite the early stage of the season.
It will be equally important for Friday night’s visitors, Sydenham, who itself has made a less-than-ideal start to the campaign.
After four rounds, Sydenham Park has only won once, losing its other three games against Keilor Park SC, Banyule City and Caroline Springs George Cross.
Round Two’s 3-2 triumph over Whittlesea United remains the club’s only win thus far.
Despite a poor start to the season, Royals coaches Mick Ferrante and Davey Van’t Schip will be under no illusions as to the quality possessed by Sydenham Park.
Goals have been hard to come by for Sydenham this season, failing to score in two out of four games, and the Royals will be keen to add to those woes with a strong defensive showing.
Their hunt for goals will not be helped by the fact that dangerous forward Bobo Sam will be missing for the visitors, following his red card against George Cross last week.
Sam also scored Sydenham’s only goal in its 3-1 loss against the Georgies.
Essendon, on the other hand, has found the back of the net regularly thus far this season, scoring 10 goals in the opening four league games – the second-best record in the league.
Seven players have scored goals for the Royals across the first four games. Graham Kelly leads the pack with four goals, whilst Davey Van’t Schip, James Brown, Ryan McEvoy, Will Abbott, Kristian Konstatinidis and Josh Markovski have all chipped in with a goal each.
Realistically, the two goals scored last week against FC Strathmore could have been four or five, with the Royals missing some great opportunities and being denied others by the post and some stunning saves, and they will be hopeful that should similar chances present themselves on Good Friday, they will take them.
The Royals continue to operate without long-term injured players such as Leigh Minopoulos and Anthony Ramzy.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Reserves will be out to extend their strong start to the season when they take on third-placed Sydenham Park on Good Friday.
The Ressies are undefeated after four rounds, winning three and drawing one game thus far this season.
Trailing league leaders Altona City by two points, a win would be a crucial result for the Royals as they look to build a gap between second and third, whilst keeping the pressure on the front-runners.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West | Round Five
Essendon Royals v Sydenham Park
Good Friday, 15 April
Cross Keys Reserve, Woodland St
Reserves: 4 PM | Seniors: 6 PM
AROUND THE GROUNDS
With the Royals and Sydenham kicking off proceedings for Round 5, perhaps the most interesting game on Saturday will be when Brimbank Stallions welcome Banyule City.
The Bulls have not lost since falling to the Royals on the opening day of the season and take on one of the three remaining undefeated teams in the league when they travel to Brimbank.
The Stallions are two points behind league leaders Caroline Springs George Cross.
Georgies will be looking to make it five wins from five against Altona City, which is the other undefeated team in the competition.
Elsewhere, Corio takes on Whittlesea United at Hume Reserve, Yarraville Glory FC welcome FC Strathmore to McIvor Reserve and Keilor Park travel to FC Clifton Hill.