Women’s Match Report: Points shared in VPLW Cross Keys classic

In an extraordinary defensive display from both sides, the VPLW top-of-the-table clash between Essendon Royals and Brunswick Juventus ended in an entertaining scoreless draw.

Right from the outset, both sides threw everything at each other, the midfield battle to-ing and fro-ing between both sets of players.

But goalmouth chances were few and far between, with both defensive units staunch in their ability to repel two of the best attacks in the league.

The first big chance fell to Naru Okada for the visitors, a sliding ball through from Cindy Lay opening a half chance she skewed across the goal.

Just minutes later Royals captain Rachel Alonso sent a curving free kick beyond Brunswick keeper Sienna Gidari, only for the woodwork to save the keeper’s blushes at the near post.

The woodwork was at it again just before the break, denying swashbuckling Royals right back Marie Rampal from one of her trademark marauding runs. The ball floated over the keeper, hitting the far post, the re-bound skied by Japanese import Ayano Koizumi.

Scoreless at the break in a tense but tough affair. The second half began much the same as the first, a midfield battle coupled with outstanding defence.

With both teams gassed and limited minutes on the clock, they held onto what they had, limiting risky forays forward. Despite this, the Royals could have got the points from a 90th-minute Koizumi corner, a back post ball that no one could get on the end of.

The points shared on the night, a fair result by all accounts despite the Royals with the better of the limited half chances.

The Royals stay on top, with Brunswick a point behind.