Women’s Match Report: Royals secure 2-1 win over Box Hill United

In the midst of a challenging week that showcased their depth and resilience, the Essendon Royals Senior Women’s team claimed a valuable 2-1 victory over Box Hill United at Cross Keys, marking their third game in just seven days.

The Royals, riding high on the momentum of a stunning triumph over reigning champions South Melbourne, returned to the familiar turf of Cross Keys with confidence. Despite a midweek setback in the Nike FC Cup, Vince Battiato’s squad shifted their focus squarely back to the league, where their form has been increasingly convincing.

The encounter against Box Hill was anticipated to be a test of the Royals’ mettle, with United eager to overturn their poor start to the season. Although residing at the bottom of the league, Box Hill’s narrow margins in defeats indicated a tenacity that the Royals could not overlook.

From the outset, the Royals took the initiative. Ava Groba, with a sublime finish only four minutes into the match, set the Royals on a positive trajectory. The early goal was a product of exceptional teamwork, showcasing the Royals’ potency right from the defensive line.

Buoyed by their start, the Royals doubled their lead at the 20-minute mark through Reona Omiya, who capitalized on Groba’s exceptional work down the left flank. The Royals looked to press their advantage, and it was nearly three moments later when Omiya forced an error from the Box Hill keeper, only to narrowly miss the target under pressure.

Box Hill found a lifeline in the second half, with Aysha Du Plessis piercing the Royals’ defence to halve the deficit. Despite this concession, the Royals maintained their composure and dominance throughout the match, a characteristic that has been emblematic of their season thus far.

The Royals’ dominance was evident, though their inability to convert numerous opportunities meant the scoreline flattered the opposition, with the match remaining tantalizingly close until the final whistle.

With this hard-fought victory, the Royals position themselves third on the table, a testament to their strong performances and a promising sign for the season ahead. Now, the Royals have a brief respite from their hectic schedule, as their next match against FV Emerging is postponed due to national team commitments.

This break provides a well-deserved rest for a team that has not only shown their capabilities on the pitch but also their fortitude in navigating a demanding series of fixtures. As the Royals rest and regroup, they can take pride in their start to the season and look forward to continuing their pursuit of excellence in the NPLW.