Geelong Holiday Inn Match Preview: Royals’ Cup campaign continues with home clash against Bentleigh Greens

Essendon Royals’ Dockerty Cup campaign resumes on Tuesday night, when they welcome Bentleigh Greens to Cross Keys 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.

Royals come into the contest off the back of a third successive defeat, falling 3-2 to Boroondara-Carey Eagles on Saturday afternoon at Wilcox Field.

Ethan Georgopoulos and Jordan Adeyemi hit the scoreboard to give the Royals the lead late in the contest, before shipping two goals late.

The loss means Essendon sit in sixth on the ladder, falling seven points behind VPL2 league leaders North Sunshine Eagles.

Their focus turns back to the Cup this week against a Greens side also coming off the back of a defeat against Langwarrin on Friday.

Riki Foster-Hosoai found the net for Bentleigh in the second-half, but his goal was cancelled out by strikes from Joseph O’Brien and Brad Blumenthal either side of half-time, meaning the Greens fell to their first loss in the league since April 5.

George Katsakis’ side, however, have been mightly impressive since his appointment in March, rising up the VPL1 table to sit in fifth spot on the ladder in the race for promotion back to NPL Victoria.

Their Cup journey so far has been seamless, seeing off Werribee City 5-1, before defeating Upfield at home in the last round 4-0.

While the Royals have been involved in two tight tussles, first seeing off Riversdale 3-1, before an incredible 4-3 win over FC Bulleen Lions in extra time booked their place in the next round.

Kick-off is at 7:30 PM and for those who can’t get to the venue, the game will be live streamed on Football Victoria’s Facebook and YouTube page.