Essendon Royals Triumph Over Champions South Melbourne in Statement Victory
Essendon Royals Senior Women’s team crafted a monumental 2-1 victory against the reigning NPLW Victoria champions South Melbourne at South Melbourne, further cementing their burgeoning reputation in the top tier of Victorian football.
The Royals, having experienced the highs and lows of the early season, entered the fray with a balanced record of two wins and two defeats. Fresh off a resounding 6-0 victory in the Nike FC Cup, they looked to channel that momentum against a formidable South Melbourne side that had stumbled in recent outings.
Early on, the Royals encountered some defensive nervousness, allowing South Melbourne to peek at the goal. But Beth Mason-Jones, a former South player, was a star in goal, repelling her old teammates’ efforts with confidence and agility, setting the stage for the Royals to take command of the contest.
Midfield maestros Jacinta Da Cruz and Kendrah Smith laid the foundation, enabling the creative duo of Reona Omiya and Ayano Koizumi to weave their magic with front-runners Ava Groba and Audrey Oastler. The backline, bolstered by the sturdy pair of Mikaela Jurcic and Danielle Marshall, and flanked by Olivia Ristevski and Marie Rampal, was resolute.
The deadlock was broken at the 11th-minute mark when Omiya, with tenacity and precision, connected with a loose ball in the box, putting the Royals ahead. The Royals maintained pressure on South’s defences, with the second goal arriving in spectacular fashion just before the interval. Koizumi’s sublime effort, set up by Groba and Omiya, was a scintillating rocket that found the net’s sanctuary.
Armed with a two-goal lead at halftime, the Royals continued their dominance into the second half, controlling the tempo and shape of the game. When called upon, Mason-Jones was ever reliable and brave, venturing off her line on multiple occasions, once resulting in a knock that she swiftly shook off.
The Royals, spearheaded by Oastler’s incursions, were relentless, but South Melbourne’s defense held firm, repelling further scoring attempts. Nonetheless, South Melbourne’s late consolation by Grace Taranto was insufficient to dampen the Royals’ spirits.
This significant win catapults Essendon into third place on the table after five matches, an auspicious start to their debut season in the premier division.