CSF Match Preview: Essendon Royals finish season at Cross Keys against Whittlesea United

Cross Keys Reserve will be the scene of great celebrations for our Senior Men – and hopefully our Reserves Men – as the Essendon Royals celebrate promotion to NPL3 and a potential State League 1 North-West Reserves championship.

With the Royals hosting Whittlesea United on the season’s final game, the Senior Men can enjoy the moment having already got the job done and earned promotion out of one of the toughest divisions in Victorian football.

Of course, whilst the Royals are playing for pride as much as points, there is little doubting that the boys will be playing to win to cap off the season in style.

The Royals were comfortable winners the last time these two met, securing a big 4-0 win over United in a game that marked the start of an incredible run of form, including the first of four clean sheets.

Whittlesea United sit in 10th position on the table, having taken 20 points from 21 games.

A win would see the Royals finish the season with a final tally of 50 points.

In the earlier kick-off the Royals will be looking to make certain of their league title.

Heading into the final round, the Royals enjoy a three-point lead over second-placed Corio SC, and a goal difference superior by 11, meaning it would take a Royals loss and a 12-goal swing on goal difference for the Royals to let the title slip.

The Royals Reserves have been in great form and would love nothing more than to claim the club’s second State League 1 North-West Reserves title of the year, following on from the Royals Reserves Women.