Lifespan Osteopathy Match Report: Royals triumph in Cross Keys battle v Ballarat
In a thrilling encounter at Cross Keys, the Essendon Royals emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ballarat City in their NPLVIC clash.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were determined to secure three points. The Royals started brightly, creating early chances through the relentless pressing of Luca Santilli and the incisive runs of Dean Clarke. Despite their early dominance, the Royals struggled to find the target, spurning a number of good opportunities.
Ballarat City, however, managed to find their footing and threatened with a few decent chances of their own. The match was finely poised, with both teams battling for control. In the 37th minute, it was Ballarat who broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a well-taken opportunity to take a 1-0 lead.
The Royals, spurred on by their passionate home crowd, rallied in the second half determined to turn the tide. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when Clarke produced a moment of brilliance, leveling the score with a quality finish. The momentum shifted in the Royals’ favour, and they continued to press forward.
In the 60th minute, the Royals’ relentless pressure resulted in an own goal as Nobuyuki Usui’s shot deflected off a Ballarat defender, giving Essendon a 2-1 advantage. The Royals maintained their intensity, creating further chances and testing the opposition’s defence. A remarkable save from the Ballarat keeper denied Graham Kelly a goal, showcasing the determination of both teams.
As the final whistle blew, it was the Royals who celebrated a hard-earned victory. The team showed resilience and improvement from their previous match, deserving the three points on the night. Clarke’s impactful performance and Usui’s influential presence played a vital role in securing the win.
The Royals will take great confidence from this victory as they continue their campaign, aiming to build on their recent successes and climb up the NPL3 ladder.