CSF Match Preview: Royals travel to Whittlesea seeking bounce-back win
By Jordan Cvitkovic
With an unfortunate end to round 10 with a 2-2 draw to Keilor Park, Essendon Royals need to bounce back again to collect the much needed three points heading into round 11 as Mick Ferrante’s team heads to Mosaic Reserve to take on Whittlesea United.
The point the Royals took away versus Keilor Park keeps them in fifth place, leaving them with a tough mountain to in the second half of the season.
With half a season to play, this still looks like another must-win game for Ferrante’s side as the boys look to start a winning streak to get back up the table.
Whittlesea United has taken 12 points from 10 games this season which has them sitting in seventh place.
Whilst Whittlesea United may have not taken many points away from their games this season they are still a very competitive side having a +7-goal difference with having three draws and four losses.
Just like Keilor Park Whittlesea United keep the referees busy too as their squad has received 24 yellow cards combined between all their players within just 10 games this season.
Whittlesea United look to have a few injury problems as eight players in their squad have failed to play five games or more this season.
Whittlesea United’s danger man is Mert Tuna. He has scored five goals out of the 10 games he has played in, which is the most out of anyone in their squad.
Although Whittlesea United has been a very competitive side in this competition so far, lately they have had some trouble taking the three points away from their games as they have only taken three points from their last four games.
The last time these two faced off, it took a last-minute winner from Leigh Minopoulos to secure the points at Mosaic Reserve.
In the Reserves, Mick Giacomi’s side continues to lead the competition, despite having played a game less than most of the chasing pack.
With a squad brimming with young talent, the Royals Reserves have made a fantastic start to the campaign.
Whittlesea’s Reserves sit in 10th place on the ladder, with eight points from nine games.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West – Round 11
Whittlesea United vs Essendon Royals
Sunday, 29 May
Mosaic Reserve, Mosaic Dr, Lalor
Reserves 1pm
Seniors 3pm
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Ahead of the Royals’ Sunday kick-off, the top-two sides in the competition will face off on Saturday.
League leaders Caroline Springs George Cross heads to Banyule City SC looking to avoid a potential banana skin on their title charge with the Bulls out to cause an upset.
Brimbank Stallions host Yarraville Glory at Club Italia, whilst the in-form Sydenham Park will take on FC Clifton Hill at Keilor Lodge Reserve.
Keilor Park’s clash with FC Strathmore rounds out the traditional 3pm kick-offs, with Altona City hosting Corio SC later in the evening.