Women’s Match Preview: Royals take on Preston in heavyweight clash at Cross Keys

Essendon Royals’ senior women return home for a heavyweight clash against Preston Lions at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Royals continued their incredible first season in the top flight of Victorian women’s football, with a 1-0 victory over Bentleigh Greens, courtesy of a goal from debutant Julia Sardo.

The win has Royals sitting in third spot on the ladder, three points behind FC Bulleen Lions and four behind league leaders Preston; who could lose top spot depending on whether Bulleen can defeat FV Emerging in their game in hand on Wednesday night.

It sets things up brilliantly for a clash against Preston on Saturday, who suffered their first defeat of the season last Friday against Bulleen at BT Connor Reserve.

Dan Foden’s side have been sensational throughout the season, headlined by the likes of Ellie Lamonte, Haley Johnson, Elle Talevski and Miri Nishimura, which has seen them surge up the ladder into title contention this year.

They’ve been further bolstered by the arrivals of capped Matildas Emma Checker and Jamilla Rankin, along with Perth Glory midfielder Susan Phonsonghkham in recent weeks.

Royals – on the other hand – have turbocharged their push for silverware this season with the arrivals of Sardo, Emma Robers, TJ Vlajnic, Raquel Deralas and Mia Lantieri-Bartley, who have all made their club debuts in the past couple of weeks.

The seniors take the field at 3 PM, with the Under 20s in action at 12:30 PM.

The Under 20s defeated Bentleigh Greens 2-1 last weekend, recording their second win of the campaign, while Preston defeated Bulleen by the same scoreline.

Royals sit in 10th on the ladder, while Preston are four points clear in 8th.