Match Report: Adeyemi Hat-Trick Powers Royals to Victory, but Srbija Clinches Premiership Despite 3-0 Loss
Essendon Royals ended their 2024 season on a high note with an emphatic 3-0 victory over FC Melbourne Srbija, thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Jordan Adeyemi.
Despite the loss, Srbija still secured the VPL2 Premiership after North Sunshine Eagles were held to a dramatic 4-4 draw by Goulburn Valley Suns.
Adeyemi also claimed his maiden VPL2 Golden Boot – finishing equal-first with Goulburn Valley Suns striker Callum Schorah – with 15 goals for the season.
The Royals entered the match with determination, eager to finish their season with a statement win. In the 34th minute, Adeyemi opened the scoring with a stunning curling effort from outside the box, placing the ball perfectly into the top corner, leaving the Srbija goalkeeper helpless.
Srbija had a chance to equalise just minutes later when they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy tackle in the box. Luka Ninkovic, one of the league’s top scorers, stepped up to take the penalty, but Andre Russo came to the Royals’ rescue with a fantastic save, preserving Essendon’s 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The second half saw Srbija pushing hard for an equaliser, but the Royals’ defense, led by the brilliant Russo, held firm. The Essendon keeper made several crucial saves, including an outstanding point-blank stop in the 70th minute to deny Ninkovic again, ensuring that the Royals remained in control.
In the 81st minute, Adeyemi doubled the Royals’ lead with a close-range tap-in after a superb assist from substitute Seb Lo Monaco, who had been impressive since coming on. Adeyemi’s second goal of the day took his tally to 14 for the season.
With just minutes left on the clock, Adeyemi completed his hat-trick in style. Pouncing on a missed clearance outside the box, he unleashed a powerful strike that flew into the net, securing a 3-0 victory for Essendon and bringing his season total to 15 goals. This incredible performance ensured that Adeyemi finished as the joint-top scorer in the league, tied with Goulburn Valley Suns’ Callum Schorah.
Despite the loss, FC Melbourne Srbija celebrated their promotion and premiership after the final whistle, as news came in that North Sunshine Eagles had only managed a 4-4 draw with Goulburn Valley Suns. The draw not only secured Srbija’s top spot but also kept the Suns safe from relegation.
Essendon Royals, on the other hand, ended their season with a fourth consecutive win, cementing their place as one of the league’s strongest finishers.
Adeyemi’s hat-trick was the perfect way to cap off a remarkable season, and the Royals can take pride in their role as spoilers to Srbija’s victory lap, even as their opponents lifted the trophy.