Men’s Match Report: Royals share spoils in 3-3 thriller at Box Hill
In a game that had it all, Essendon Royals and Box Hill United couldn’t be separated, finishing with honours even in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Wembley Park. The Royals, eager to continue their unbeaten run, displayed the same fighting spirit that saw them clinch their first win of the season last week against Doveton.
Graham Kelly, in a man-of-the-match performance, ensured the scoreboard keeper was kept busy, netting twice in a showing that highlighted his exceptional form. Andre Russo, the Royals’ guardian between the sticks, matched Kelly’s heroics with an array of crucial saves, including a huge penalty stop that sent the away fans into a frenzy.
On a brisk Friday night under the bright lights, the contest kicked off with the intensity one would expect from two sides desperate to assert their early-season form.
The Royals were without their speedster Jordan Adeyemi, still serving his suspension, and Lawrence Milanzi out injured.
The Royals started brightly, with youngster Julian Guzzardi providing positivity down the right flank, as Davey Van’t Schip led the line.
Ethan Georgopoulos grafted hard in the middle alongside his more experienced midfield partner Vince Lia.
In what would have been a highly enjoyable game for the neutral, both sides threw everything forward in attack and left little cover behind at the back.
The Royals hit the lead in the 31st minute through Guzzardi, who scored a deserved first goal of the season following a string of solid performances far beyond his teenage years.
The Box Hill response was immediate and clinical. Within 12 minutes of the Royals opener, Box Hill had taken a 2-1 lead. Both goals were similar in that they came from second efforts: the first when Box Hill’s Ryo Okamoto was quickest to react to a shot striking the woodwork, and the second when Anthony Rizk was quickest to pounce on a shot parried by Russo.
The Royals went into the break chasing the lead, and the second half got off to the worst possible start.
The referee awarded a penalty in the 48th minute, giving Box Hill a priceless chance to extend their lead.
However, Russo was more than equal to the spot-kick attempt, pulling off a brilliant save to deny a well-hit penalty.
Box Hill wouldn’t be denied in the 52nd minute, though, as some good play down the right flank set up an easy finish at the far post for Rhys Jones to put the hosts 3-1 up.
The goal sparked the Royals into life, with Kelly leading the charge for the Royals.
The intensity lifted, and in the 57th minute, Theofanis Tzelepis had a golden chance when a poor back pass as a result of the high Royals press played him in on goal, but he couldn’t take the chance.
Kelly took his own chance just minutes later, slotting home a lovely finish from just outside the box to make it 3-2.
The Irishman would prove the hero, taking full advantage of the Box HIll keeper misreading the ball in the 89th minute, allowing him to nod home from close range.
As the senior team maintains their spot among the unbeaten ranks of the VPL2, their campaign continues to gather momentum.
The Under-23s match is taking place on Saturday 23 March. We will update this report with details of their game.