Men’s Match Report: Essendon Royals snatch a point from jaws of defeat in remarkable three-goal comeback against North Sunshine Eagles
In a thrilling encounter under the Friday night lights at Larissa Reserve, Essendon Royals displayed incredible resilience to fight back from three goals down and secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against VPL2 league leaders North Sunshine Eagles. The match, filled with end-to-end action and late drama, highlighted the Royals’ never-say-die attitude as they rescued a vital point.
The game started with high intensity, and it was the Royals who had the first real chance in the 2nd minute. Jordan Adeyemi raced in on goal but was denied by a fine save from the Eagles’ keeper. Just a minute later, the Royals had a defensive scare as a header at the back post was cleared off the line by Matteo Ballan.
Essendon continued to push forward, with Dean Clarke nearly breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute. His thunderous free-kick from 30 meters out cannoned off the bar, leaving the Royals agonizingly close to taking the lead. Clarke came close again from a corner in the 22nd minute, but his header went just wide.
Despite Essendon’s pressure, it was North Sunshine who opened the scoring in the 37th minute. Redouane Sarakh found the net from a corner, giving the home side a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The second half saw the Eagles come out strong, but Andre Russo made a crucial save in the 47th minute to keep the Royals in the game. Adeyemi had a couple of opportunities, including a shot from range in the 52nd minute and a close effort in the 58th minute, but the Eagles’ keeper Rory Brian was up to the task.
North Sunshine extended their lead in the 73rd minute with a lovely curling finish from Yusuf Karadag. Just four minutes later, Sarakh added his second of the night with another well-placed shot, making it 3-0.
The Royals, however, refused to give up. In the 79th minute, Adeyemi pulled one back for Essendon after a strong run and cross from Clarke. Adeyemi nearly made it 3-2 a minute later, but his one-on-one effort was saved by Brian. Lawrence Milanzi also had a good chance in the 82nd minute but couldn’t find the target.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the 87th minute when Graham Kelly made it 3-2. Clarke again was the provider, with his cross finding Adeyemi, whose initial shot hit the post but fell kindly for Kelly to tuck away.
As the Royals pressed for an equalizer, Clarke’s chance in the 88th minute was blocked on the line after a spill from the Eagles’ keeper. The persistence paid off in the 90th minute when Ali Eyigun smashed home a stunning volley from the edge of the area after a sequence of plays that saw the ball returned into the box by Adeyemi.
The final whistle confirmed a remarkable 3-3 draw, showcasing the Royals’ fighting spirit and determination. This comeback draw against the league leaders is a testament to the team’s resilience and belief, providing a crucial point as they continue their push in the VPL2 season.