Women’s Match Preview: Royals look to close in on finals berth in crucial catch-up game against FV Emerging

Essendon Royals will look to take one huge step towards securing a place in the 2024 NPLW Victoria finals series when they take on FV Emerging for the second time in less than a week at the Home of the Matildas.

Royals defeated Emerging 1-0 at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of Audrey Oastler’s 11th goal of the season to take Essendon into equal-second on the ladder with Preston Lions – who are ahead of Vince Battiato’s side on goal difference.

Watch the highlights from our 1-0 win over FV Emerging.

However, Essendon now have a massive chance to leapfrog Preston and also mount pressure on league leaders FC Bulleen Lions in the race for the Premiership when they face-off with Emerging in a catch-up game.

The match – which was initially scheduled for Round 7 – was postponed back in early May due to a number of FV Emerging players being away on international duty.

Emerging – who sit in eighth – put up a strong test against the Royals on Wednesday, forcing Bethany Mason-Jones into a number of quality saves.

They were also just as resilient in defence, led by goalkeeper Sophie Dehne who also stood strong between the sticks.

Wednesday evening’s contest continues a busy stretch for Essendon, who are in action again on Saturday afternoon against Brunswick Juventus, playing their third game in a matter of seven days, before a week off to recharge during the break for the Nike FC Cup Final.

Kick-off is at 7 PM on Pitch One in Bundoora.