Geelong Holiday Inn Match Preview: Royals gear up for blockbuster clash against Pascoe Vale

Essendon Royals’ senior men’s side will be looking to continue their undefeated start to the 2024 VPL2 season, when they face a huge test against Pascoe Vale on Friday evening at CB Smith 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 Dockerty Cup.

The boys recorded an impressive 3-1 win away to Beaumaris SC last weekend, making it two wins and two draws to start the new season. Jordan Adeyemi continued his red hot start to life at Cross Keys with a brace, while Ethan Georgopoulos added another to round out the victory.

Michael Ferrante’s side had to hold firm in the second-half as they went down to 10 players following a red card to experienced defender Phil Riccobene – meaning he will miss this weekend’s clash.

Watch the highlights from the win over Beaumaris below.

Up next, is arguably Essendon’s toughest test of the season to date in Pascoe Vale.

Paco suffered their first defeat in the league this season after their relegation from VPL1 at the end of last campaign, falling to a 2-0 loss away to North Sunshine Eagles on Saturday night.

However, the loss marked back to back defeats for Shane Rexhepi’s side, after they were knocked out by Sydenham Park in the Dockerty Cup during the Easter break.

Prior to the two defeats, Paco were absolutely flying, winning their opening three matches convincingly and scoring a whopping 16 goals in those matches – including eight against Beaumaris in Round 2.

Our Under 23s will be in action just prior to the action getting underway, as they look to make it back-to-back wins following a 9-1 thumping of Beaumaris last week.

The U23s will kick-off at 6:15 PM on Pitch 3, before the senior men take the field at 8:30 PM on the main pitch.