Women’s Match Preview: Box Hill test awaits at home for in-form Royals

Essendon Royals’ senior women return to Cross Keys for their third game in a week, when they face Box Hill United on Saturday afternoon.

It’s been a hectic seven days for Vince Battiato’s side, who last Saturday knocked off reigning champions South Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium, before facing Spring Hills in the Nike FC Cup on Tuesday night.

Reona Omiya and Ayano Koizumi hit the scoreboard in the first-half to build a two goal advantage, before withstanding a second-half push from Hellas – who pulled one back through Grace Taranto – to come away with a 2-1 win.

Watch the highlights from our 2-1 win over South Melbourne.

However, we were defeated 1-0 against Spring Hills, ending our Cup campaign.

With Cup duties over, the focus turns back to the league against Box Hill, a side looking to get back on the winners list after a disappointing home loss to FC Bulleen Lions.

Box Hill sit bottom of the league after five games, only registering the solitary win to start the season.

However, they have lost three of those opening five matches by a goal, showcasing their ability to stay in matches.

Their greatest concern is in front of goal, scoring only three goals from their opening five matches.

Prior to the match kicking off at 3 PM, the Under 20s will take the field at 12:30 PM, looking to get back to winning ways after a 1-0 loss to South.

Box Hill, meanwhile, are coming off a heavy 7-2 defeat at home to Bulleen and are without a win in each of their last three matches.