CSF Match Preview: Royals back in action with trip to Corio

Essendon Royals Senior Men will return to action on Saturday evening after an extended break when they take on Corio SC on Saturday evening.

The Royals ended up with a week off with their Friday evening contest against Brimbank Stallions being postponed due to the pitch conditions after a torrential downpour last week.

With a date still to be confirmed for that clash, the Royals now focus on taking on Geelong-based Corio at Hume Reserve.

The longest away day in State League 1 North-West for the Royals, Corio has struggled for form this season but has had a tough run of games against top-of-the-table opposition in recent weeks.

With many of their games thus far being played away from home due to the completion of works at their home ground at Hume Reserve.

Corio opened their new facility last week, taking on Caroline Springs George Cross, going down 5-1.

It was just their second home game of the season from six rounds.

Corio is winless after six rounds, having lost four and drawn two games.

The club recently changed their coach, with former NSL player Bobby Stojcevski taking the reins.

His first game in charge was last weekend against Georgies.

After conceding five in his opening game, Corio has now conceded 24 goals.

The Royals should be well-rested, but will hope the week off will not have dulled their match sharpness.

With a number of players on the mend from injury and illness, the break will have given Mick Ferrante a good opportunity to take stock of his options as he looks for a winning combination.

Davey Van’t Schip is also back in the fold and will resume playing assistant duties.

In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Reserves will be looking to get back to winning ways.

Their game against Brimbank last week was abandoned with the scores stuck at 2-2 at half-time.

It is unclear if the game against Brimbank will be declared a draw, replayed or played from half-time.

The week prior they were held to a 2-2 draw against Altona City.

Despite having played a game less, the Royals remain in second place with just three points separating them from Altona City.

MATCH DETAILS

Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West | Round Eight

Corio SC v Essendon Royals

Saturday 7 May

Hume Reserve, Thompson Rd, North Geelong

Reserves: 330 PM | Seniors: 530 PM

AROUND THE GROUNDS

By the time the Royals kick-off against Corio SC, two of the other games this round will have finished.

The 3pm kick-offs include Brimbank Stallions v FC Strathmore, whilst Banyule City will be looking to get back on the winner’s list when they take on Keilor Park.

Caroline Springs George Cross host FC Clifton Hill at City Vista in a 5pm kick-off, with Altona City’s clash against Sydenham Park set for a 6pm kick-off

On Sunday, Whittlesea United will host Yarraville Glory.