Women’s Match Preview: Royals take on Heidelberg as they look to make it three on the trot

Essendon Royals are seeking a third consecutive victory when they take on Heidelberg United at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Royals have been flying in recent weeks, surging into second on the ladder off the back of consecutive victories over FC Bulleen Lions and Calder United at home.

Essendon avenged their loss to Calder earlier this season with a resounding 5-2 victory, led by Audrey Oastler who scored all five goals for Vince Battiato’s side.

Watch the highlights from our 5-2 win over Calder United.

The win helped Essendon’s push for finals football this season, which would be a tremendous feat given they were only promoted to NPLW Victoria for the first time at the end of last season.

However, the tough tasks continue this week against a red-hot Heidelberg side, that are just outside the top four after an impressive run of results under new coach Sven Samild.

Key to their resurgence has been Alana Jancevski, who has five goals in five games since arriving from Adelaide United at the conclusion of the A-League Women season.

Meanwhile, Keely Lockhart also has seven goals to her name, while captain Steph Galea has four.

It will be a short turnaround for Heidelberg, after they saw off league leaders Bulleen 3-1 at Olympic Village on Monday night.

Royals won the reverse fixture 3-1 at the Village on a wet and wild Easter Monday night, with Oastler scoring a brace and Reona Omiya adding one more.

Watch the highlights from our 3-1 win over Heidelberg back in April.

Kick-off is at 3 PM, with the Under 20s taking the field just beforehand at 12:30 PM.

Royals drew 1-1 with Calder last week, and remain in 9th, while Heidelberg are just behind them in 11th on the standings after their 4-2 loss against Bulleen on Monday.