Essendon Mazda Coach’s Comment: Battiato looking for instant response from Royals

Vince Battiato is itching to see his Essendon Royals team get back to winning ways in Women’s State League 1 North-West competition when it takes on FC Clifton Hill on Sunday.

A tough 3-0 loss to Brunswick Juventus last week gave the boss plenty to think about, as the season reaches the final stages.

“It was one of those days. You hear that a lot in football, but if we take one of our chances in the first 20 minutes, it’s a different game,” he said.

“They took their moments, so it happens. The important thing is that great teams don’t allow themselves to get into a losing streak, so we know we need to get the points on Sunday and get back on track.”

Battiato was bullish about his side’s chances against a Clifton Hill side that has perhaps disappointed in seventh place thus far this season.

“We fully expect to be able to win this match and not let last week turn into a run of bad results,” he said.

“We were unbeaten since round two, including eight wins in a row. We still have promotion on our own boot, so we know that we can get back to winning ways, and we know that these next two games are vital.

“Clifton Hill has been missing a few players over the last six weeks, but I’m expecting most of them are back for the game against us, so they’ll be tougher than normal, especially away from home.”

Battiato is dealing with a couple of outs himself but is confident in the depth of his squad, particularly with D’Arne Boato returning to the Royals following her stint in the United States.

“She has been training with us for several weeks since she got back to Melbourne,” he said.

“We got her international clearance, so we’re very excited to have her back, not only as a former Royal, but as a fantastic defender too.”

Battiato said the game in the earlier kick-off for the Reserves was equally important in what is a first versus second clash.

The Reserves are three points clear of Clifton Hill, whose only loss this season has come at the hands of the Royals. A win would see them move six points clear and put them in a great position to win the title.