CSF Match Preview: Essendon Royals seek to hold nerve ahead of Corio SC visit
Essendon Royals face an important test of their promotion credentials when they take on Corio SC in a rare Saturday home game at Cross Keys Reserve.
The Royals have secured incredible results over the last three months, continuously lifting for the big occasions against the league’s top teams, including last week’s 2-1 win over Brimbank Stallions.
However, it is the pressure of winning when all the expectation is on the Royals that has proved tricky for the second-placed Royals to navigate at times this season, and was the case when Essendon last faced Corio SC.
Two red cards consigned the Royals to a shock 3-0 loss in Geelong on a night that left the Royals with a big mountain to climb to restore their position amongst the top teams in the league.
Thankfully, the Royals have been able to get the job done, not losing a game since that trip to Geelong and picking up seven wins from their last 10 games, with the other three games being draws.
The form has seen the Royals rise to second on the table, where they enjoy a three-point lead over Banyule City with a game in hand, and a four-point lead over third-placed Sydenham Park.
The win that Corio enjoyed over Essendon proved something of a turning point for the Geelong-based side.
Since that win, Corio has enjoyed some credible results, noticeably beating Banyule two weeks ago, as well as earning a credible draw against Brimbank.
The vast majority of the club’s positive results have come at home at Hume Reserve, however, and travelling has been a bit of an issue for Corio, who will have to travel for close to an hour to get to Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday.
A win for the Royals will see them retain second spot irrespective of results elsewhere.
In the earlier kick-off, it’s a first versus second contest as the Royals look to open up a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Both the Royals and Corio reserves are coming off losses from last week, so will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
The Royals have played a game less than Corio, making a win even more crucial to their title chances on Saturday.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West – Round 19
Essendon Royals v Corio SC
Saturday 23 July
Cross Keys Reserve
Reserves 1 pm
Seniors 3 pm
AROUND THE GROUNDS
In a rare week where all games will be played simultaneously, league leaders Caroline Springs George Cross travel to Quarries Park to take on an FC Clifton Hill fighting against the drop.
The Georgies will be hopeful of maintaining their five-point lead at the top of the table.
Sydenham Park welcomes Altona City to Keilor Lodge Reserve, whilst Keilor Park will host Banyule City at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
Whittlesea United travel to Yarraville Glory – who last week held Sydenham Park to a 0-0 draw.
In the other game of the round, FC Strathmore will look to make their home advantage count against Brimbank Stallions at Strathnaver Reserve.