Women’s Match Preview: Huge three points up for grabs at Wembley as Royals take on Box Hill

Essendon Royals’ senior women will look to register a huge three points in their pursuit of finals football, when they take on Box Hill United at Wembley Park on Friday night.

Royals were much improved from their 5-0 loss to Boroondara-Carey Eagles, in their 1-1 draw against reigning NPLW Victoria champions South Melbourne on the weekend, but were unable to convert their number of chances into goals.

Essendon led through Julia Sardo before Taylah Christensen pulled one back almost immediately, ensuring the scores were level at Cross Keys Reserve.

Watch the highlights from our 1-1 draw with South Melbourne last weekend.

The draw leaves Essendon in fourth place on the ladder, only two points clear of fifth placed Heidelberg United in the race for finals football.

However, they are only goal difference behind both second placed Preston Lions and third placed South and still have a game in hand, showcasing the eveness of the competiton heading into the final rounds of the campaign.

Box Hill present a difficult test this weekend, with Royals losing their last two games away from Cross Keys.

Despite sitting in ninth, Box Hill have been much improved in recent weeks, winning three of their last five games against Brunswick Juventus, Bentleigh Greens and Alamein, and falling to narrow defeats against Preston and most recently, a 3-2 loss against league leaders FC Bulleen Lions.

The arrivals of Rhianna Pollicina and Sofia Sakalis have bolstered Box Hill significantly, with the former scoring six goals in six games, while the latter has two to her name.

Box Hill have also been brilliant at home this season, having not lost in the league at Wembley since April 19 against Bulleen.

Essendon won the reverse fixture earlier this season 2-1 at Cross Keys, courtesy of goals from Ava Groba and Reona Omiya.

Watch the highlights from our 2-1 win against Box Hill earlier this season.

Kick-off is a 7:30 PM, with the Under 20s taking the field the following day at 1 PM.

Royals drew 0-0 with South last weekend, and sit in ninth on the ladder heading into this weekend’s clash.