NJL Match Report: Royals earn point at Sydenham
The Essendon Royals put in a solid shift at one of the toughest venues in the State League 1 North-West competition, earning a point against Sydenham Park at Keilor Lodge Reserve.
Bradley Blumenthal had put the home side 1-0 up after 32 minutes before Ryan McEvoy equalised from the penalty spot in the 39th minute.
The Royals enjoyed the better possession and had a number of chances, including hitting the crossbar, but in the end, this was another superbly fought game by two promotion rivals.
A point will do neither side many favours, but will certainly be preferred to a loss.
Both sides remain second and third, with a point between them, although the Royals have played a game less.
The Royals came into the game without Davey Van’t Schip, away on personal leave, as well as Nobuyuki Usui who was a late withdrawal.
The Royals had the best chance of the opening exchanges when Luca Santilli showed great persistence chasing down a ball forward, getting on the end of it and firing his shot against the woodwork in the 11th minute.
Essendon’s Zenawi Bugali went close seven minutes later when he produced a lovely touch and turn to create a small opening, but his shot was wide of the mark.
Sydenham took the lead in the 33rd minute from a corner. The Royals won the first ball, seemingly heading away from danger, only for Blumenthal to pick up possession on the right side of the box and fire an awkward shot through the crowd, somehow evading everyone and nestling in the bottom left corner.
Royals keeper German Schact was forced into action when Bobo Sam struck a low effort on target straight at the shot-stopper.
The Royals didn’t have to wait long for the equaliser, with Sydenham defender Bobby Vidanoski grappling Santilli down to the ground inside the box to give away a penalty.
McEvoy stepped up confidently and dispatched the spot-kick with minimum fuss to restore parity heading into half-time.
The second half was another fierce contest as the yellow cards began to stack up.
Coach Mick Ferrante shuffled the pack, bringing on a number of fresh faces.
Schacht made a strong save down low to his left in the 72nd minute before a series of Royals free-kicks presented opportunities.
In the 89th minute, defender Kristian Konstantinidis was shown a red card for an incident off the ball with Oscar Thompson.
Despite being reduced the 10 men, the best chances of stoppage time fell to the Royals.
A late free-kick from wide was whipped in to substitute Will Abbott, who managed to bring the ball down and fire a shot on target, only for a sprawling defender to block the shot.
The block seemed to benefit from the use of a hand, but the referee deemed otherwise, blowing for full-time.
Ferrante was also given his marching orders late in the game.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Reserves lost 2-1 to Sydenham.