CSF Match Preview: Essendon Royals seek home comforts against Altona City
After a run of tough games away from home, the Essendon Royals return to Cross Keys Reserve this Friday night to take on Altona City.
The Royals are undefeated in eight games but have been held to 1-1 draws for the last two weeks against FC Strathmore and Sydenham Park away from home.
Mick Ferrante’s team put in credible games against both sides but just couldn’t find the goals to secure victories over two weeks that would have put the Royals in full control over their promotion destiny.
The good news is, however, that ascension from State League 1 remains on the Royals’ boot.
They do trail Sydenham Park by one point, but have played a game less and have already played the likes of Sydenham, Caroline Springs George Cross and Banyule City – three of the top four sides not including Essendon – twice already.
Of course, the Royals still have a number of tough games to navigate and arguably one of the toughest will be this Friday against a stern Altona City side.
Altona sits in sixth place on the table after 16 games, but are some way off the top five teams.
Still, Altona has been a thorn in the side for many of the top teams in the league.
They held the Royals to a 0-0 draw at Kim Reserve the last time these two sides met, and in recent weeks Altona has secured a point against Banyule.
Emile Damye and Rin Tagaki have been leading the way when it comes to goals for Altona, with six each in 10 and 14 games respectively.
The Royals have boasted one of the meanest defences in the competition in recent weeks, however a red card to Kristian Konstantinidis means a shuffling of the pack at the back will be required for the next few rounds.
Will Abbott has been regaining fitness and was a late substitute last week, almost popping up with a late winner against Sydenham.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Reserves face one of their toughest opponents from the first half of the season.
Last week’s loss to Sydenham means the Royals are now level on points with second-placed Corio, with Altona City just three points behind the leading duo and with plenty of reasons to want the three points on Friday.
The Royals do have a game in hand, however.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West – Round 17
Essendon Royals SC v Altona City
Friday 8 July
Cross Keys Reserve
Reserves 630 pm
Seniors 830 pm
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Elsewhere in State League 1 North-West, Brimbank Stallions know they need to beat Caroline Springs George Cross to keep promotion hopes alive for Season 2022.
The Stallions host George Cross at Club Italia on Saturday.
Banyule City has lost a number of players in recent weeks, including league-leading goalscorer Lars Anton Kinnander to NPLV’s Alonta Magic. That didn’t stop them from trouncing Brimbank last week and they will hope to keep that form up against Corio.
Sydenham travels to one of the toughest decks in the league when they take on FC Strathmore at Strathnaver Reserve.
Elsewhere, Keilor Park will host Yarraville FC whilst FC Clifton Hill take on Whittlesea United.