Lifespan Osteopathy Match Report: Doveton’s Clinical Finish Hands Royals Disappointing Defeat

Doveton secures a narrow 1-0 win against Essendon Royals in an NPL3 round 7 match on Saturday. The Royals had a lot of possession but couldn’t make the breakthrough, as the Doveton defence proved to be a tough nut to crack.

Graham Kelly, Ryan McEvoy, and James Grasset put in solid performances in midfield for the Royals, while Dean Clarke led the charge upfront. Doveton’s defence, however, proved to be too resilient for Essendon Royals, who struggled to create any clear scoring opportunities.

The first half saw both sides take turns attacking, but neither was able to find the back of the net. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, the Royals were unable to create many clear-cut chances. A shot from Nobuyuki Usui just before the break was the closest the Royals came to scoring in the first half, but it was saved by the Doveton keeper.

The second half saw Doveton come out with renewed determination and they nearly took the lead on the 50th minute, but the goal was ruled offside. Kelly had a shot cleared off the line from a second ball at a corner in the 53rd minute, and Royals keeper Andre Russo made his first big save of the day in the 59th minute.

Unfortunately, Doveton broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, capitalising on a through ball to beat Russo with a lob into the goal. The Royals tried to come back and get the equalier, but their efforts were in vain. A few chances were created in the final minutes, but none of them found the back of the net, with Usui’s shot being tipped over by the Doveton keeper in injury time, before a late Kelly chance was well-saved by the goalkeeper.

It was a disappointing day for the Royals, who will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next game.

In the earlier kick-off the Under-21s lost 3-2.