Women’s Match Preview: Essendon Royals gear up for clash against NPLW Victoria heavyweights Calder United
Fresh off an incredible win over the reigning premiers, Essendon Royals’ senior women’s side are back in action on Saturday, when they take on NPLW Victoria powerhouses Calder United at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, with kick-off slated for 3 PM.
The match will also be Beth Mason-Jones’ 100th NPLW game.
Royals stunned FC Bulleen Lions on Monday night at the Veneto Club., with goals from Audrey Oastler and Ava Groba helping Essendon to an incredible 2-1 victory.
It’s also Essendon’s first ever win in the top flight of Victorian football, having achieved this feat on the first time of asking.
They were formidable defensively and potent going forward, something that they will be hoping to carry into their next game against a Calder side looking to bounce back following a disappointing 4-2 loss in Round 1 to FV Emerging.
Akane Shimizu scored twice in her debut for the club, and is the player to watch for the Royals defence this weekend, showcasing her ability to quite literally score from anywhere against Emerging; scoring with a long range effort and a chip either side of half-time.
Calder have been one of the best performing sides in the top tier of Victorian football for quite some time, winning multiple pieces of silverware – including last year’s NIKE FC Cup – and have forged a talent pathway with Western United.
The two sides last met in the 2022 NIKE FC Cup when Royals were still in State League One, falling to a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat.
Our reserves side will also be in action prior to kick-off at 12:45 pm.
The Under 20s fell 6-0 to Bulleen on Monday and will be hoping to bounce back against Calder, who also suffered an opening round 2-0 loss to FV Emerging.