CSF Match Preview: Rare Moonee Valley Derby awaits as Essendon Royals welcome FC Strathmore
Essendon Royals welcome FC Strathmore to Cross Keys Reserve on Friday night for a rarely-sighted Moonee Valley Derby.
Friday night’s meeting will be the first time the two sides have met in official competition in almost a decade.
Back in 2013, when both clubs were competing in State League 4 West, the Royals lost their only two competitive contests against FC Strathmore, going down 3-5 at Ormond Park in Round 2 of that season, and 2-1 in Round 13 at Strathnaver Reserve.
Whilst Strathmore did take the spoils in both derbies in 2013, that particular season ended with Friday night’s opponents finishing last on the table.
Since then, both clubs have come a remarkably long way.
The Royals have been playing State League 1 football since 2017, whilst Strathmore has steadily risen since the last time the two clubs faced off, earning promotions in 2016, 2019 and 2021 – courtesy of a Points Per Game ruling from Football Victoria to fill a vacancy in State League 1.
It has undoubtedly been a rough start to life in a new competition for Strathmore, who are coached by former A-Leagues star Brendon Santalab.
Friday’s visitors have lost all three games this season, but have shown steady improvement each week.
A horror start at Mosaic Reserve saw Strathmore lose 5-0 against Whittlesea United before a much-improved showing at Banyule City resulted in a 1-0 loss.
In Round Three, Strathmore showed further improvement, pushing top-of-the-table Caroline Springs George Cross all the way in a narrow 2-1 loss, with the Georgies only winning courtesy of two extremely late goals.
Joshua Brekalo is the sole Strathmore goalscorer thus far this season.
Strathmore has not been helped in their cause by delayed works at their home ground, Strathnaver Reserve, which sees them playing their first six games away from home.
Friday night’s trip to Cross Keys is their fourth away game on the bounce, but it is at least a local trip to a nearby ground.
The Royals will know not to underestimate Strathmore, particularly after a tricky win over Yarraville Glory last Saturday.
The second-last-placed Glory certainly pushed the Royals and whilst the final 3-1 scorelines looked comfortable on paper, it was anything but on the park.
The Royals will need to keep on building their defensive resolve as they hunt for a first clean sheet in the league this season, whilst hoping the goals continue to be as numerous as they are spectacular.
Cross Keys has proven itself one of the premier destinations in Victorian football for show-stopping goals, with Graham Kelly and Ryan McEvoy providing some jaw-dropping moments in recent weeks.
A President’s Function prior to the Senior Men’s game will be held in conjunction with Gold Sponsor Gaffney Constructions to raise funds for the Royals Children’s Hospital.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Reserves will hope to close the gap at the top of the table.
The undefeated third-placed Royals take on eighth-placed Strathmore.
Essendon have two wins and a draw from their first three games, whilst Strathmore have enjoyed one win and two losses.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West | Round Four
Essendon Royals v FC Strathmore Split
Friday 8 April
Cross Keys Reserve, Woodland St
Reserves: 6.30 PM | Seniors: 8.30 PM
Around the Grounds
Elsewhere in the league, Sydenham Park will be looking to shake off their early-season malaise in what is already a must-win encounter for them at home against Caroline Springs George Cross.
Sydenham suffered defeat last week against Banyule Bulls at Yallambie Reserve.
The Bulls, meanwhile, travel to Altona City in a clash of 3rd versus 5th, with Keilor Park playing Corio.
FC Clifton Hill will welcome Yarraville Glory to Quarries Park, whilst the round concludes with second-placed Brimbank Stallions taking on Whittlesea United at Mosaic Reserve on Sunday.