Women’s Match Preview: Essendon Royals look to get back to winning ways at Olympic Village against Heidelberg
Essendon Royals’ senior women’s side return to action on Easter Monday in search of getting back to winning ways, when they take on Heidelberg United at Olympic Village.
Royals come into the contest after a much needed nine-day break, following playing their opening two games of the season in the space of six days, which saw them upset premiers FC Bulleen Lions 2-1 last Monday night, then fall to a 4-2 loss against Calder United last Saturday afternoon.
Vince Battiato’s side have shown plenty throughout both games, and can take plenty of positives from the loss to Calder, particularly the way in which they were able to cause issues in transition.
Teenager Olivia Ristevski was particularly impressive, scoring an incredible goal to open the scoring at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
After a lengthy break, Royals will now have the chance to get back on the winners list in their final game of a three-match roadstand to start the campaign.
They take on a Heidelberg outfit also reeling from a Round 2 defeat against Bulleen, which was their first loss of the 2024 season, having won their opening round contest against Alamein a week prior.
Loui Spiridis’ side led by a goal against the Lions thanks to a spectacular long range strike from Asuka Miyata, before Bulleen piled on three goals either side of half-time to come away with the win at the Veneto Club.
They were, however, without a host of key players including Rachel Stirton and Margot Robinne, while Olivia Edwards made her club debut from the bench.
Our U20s are also in action on Monday night and will be on the hunt for their first win of the season after falling to a second straight loss last week to start the campaign.
It was an improved performance against Calder, losing 2-1 at Keilor Park after suffering a 6-0 defeat in their opening game of the season.
Heidelberg, meanwhile, have one draw and one loss to their name after two rounds, with the most recent of those matches being a 2-2 draw with Bulleen, and are also looking to get off the mark on Monday night.
The U20s match kicks off at 6:15 PM, before the senior women kick-off at 8:15 PM. If you can’t make it to Olympic Village, the senior women’s match will be streamed live on NPL Victoria’s YouTube page.