Geelong Holiday Inn Match Preview: Essendon welcome top of the table Altona for blockbuster Friday night clash
Essendon Royals’ senior men’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome top of the table Altona City to Cross Keys Reserve on Friday night.
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.
After a hectic week of action – which included an extra time Cup win over FC Bulleen Lions – Royals suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 2-0 away to Brunswick Juventus.
Goals from Nicholas Symeoy and Jonathan Bounas were the difference at CB Smith Reserve, as a tired Royals outfit were unable to stem the flow of Juventus who continued their fine start to the season.
The tough tests continue this week when Michael Ferrante’s side take on an Altona outfit that are absolutely flying to start the season.
Altona sit top of the league on goals scored after eight rounds and are still undefeated after their promotion from State League One last season.
They did, however, draw 1-1 with fellow high flyers North Sunshine Eagles on the weekend, opening the door for Juventus to cut the gap on the table to a matter of a few goals.
Jayson Ziro has been the star of the show to start the season, scoring four goals from eight appearances, while Luis Covarrubias has three goals and former Preston defender Aishen Ishak has been a solid signing in the back-half.
Altona coach Nick Georgopoulos is in his third game at the helm, after taking over from Michael Calandrella last month.
Georgopoulos could come up against his son, Ethan, who has been in fine form to start the season for Royals.
Davey Van’t Schip should be available for selection after suspension, while Graham Kelly is in doubt after an injury against Juventus.
Kick-off is at 8:30 PM, with the Under 23s taking the field just beforehand at 6:15 PM.
The Under 23s suffered a 4-2 defeat against Juventus last week and sit seventh on the ladder heading into this weekend’s clash against Altona, who are in fourth after defeating North Sunshine.