Geelong Holiday Inn Match Preview: Royals return home to begin Dockerty Cup quest
Essendon Royals’ senior men begin their Dockerty Cup campaign on Thursday night, when they return home for the first time this year to take on Riversdale SC at Cross Keys Reserve.
Our weekly previews are brought to you by the Geelong Holiday Inn, as we look ahead to the upcoming rounds of action in both the league and Cup.
Royals have started their VPL2 campaign strongly, with one win and two draws from their opening three games.
The boys battled back from 3-1 down last Friday night against Box Hill United, with Graham Kelly scoring twice to steal a point in the dying minutes.
Their opponents Riversdale – who play in Victoria’s State League Four East – have been on a incredible Cup run already
Riversdale started their Cup quest in the first round against Sandringham, defeating them on penalties, before knocking off Old Melburnians 5-1 in the second round and shocking State League One side Corio, with a 4-2 win in extra time.
They have also been in action in the league, kicking off their league campaign with a 0-0 draw away to Croydon City Arrows, heading into this weekend’s meeting against the Royals.
Michael Ferrante’s side will be boosted by the return of Jordan Adeyemi, after serving his two game suspension for a red card in the season opener against Goulburn Valley Suns.
The boys need your support on Thursday night, so make sure you’re there at Cross Keys as we chase a place in the next round.
Kick-off is at 7:30 PM, with plenty of food and drink available at the canteen.