Gaffney Match Preview: Royals travel to Bundoora

The Essendon Royals face their biggest remaining test as they chase a top-two finish in the State League 1 North-West Women’s competition.

The Royals travel to Bundoora United to take on a team with no shortage of motivation to end Essendon’s great run of form.

Despite a Football Victoria directive claiming that the top three teams in the division could be promoted to Victorian Premier Leagues Women, Women’s coach Vince Battiato is keeping a lid on any celebrations until a top-two spot is confirmed.

Three points on Sunday would go a long way to making the dream a reality, as well as keeping their title hopes alive.

The Royals trail top-of-the-table Brunswick Juventus by two points with two rounds to go and lead Spring Hills FC by three points and a goal difference superior by nine goals.

With the goals flying in from the top sides in the division, a nine-goal margin is not as comfortable as it seems. Battiato has impressed on his players the importance of a professional performance against Bundoora, which sits in fifth position on the table.

This season has been a tough one for Bundoora, who have struggled to live up to pre-season expectations, and with a number of former United players at the Royals, they will be keen to knock the Royals off on Sunday.

Essendon heads into the game in great form, having scored 21 goals in their last four games.

Last time out, they beat Keilor Park 6-0 at Cross Keys Reserve.

When the Royals last played Bundoora, they ran out 9-1 winners.

In the earlier kick-off, the champions-elect Royals Reserves have already won the three points, with Bundoora United forfeiting the Reserves game.