ConnectOS Match Report: Royals Edge Altona in Fiery Season Opener
In the suburban setting of East Keilor, Essendon Royals kicked off their 2025 VPL2 campaign in style, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Altona City in a match that had everything—early goals, big saves, and second-half drama.
With JH Allan Reserve playing host to the Royals’ first season opener at home in over five years, the atmosphere was electric, and the team responded with an explosive start.
It took just seconds for the Royals to grab the lead, with Jordan Adeyemi pouncing on a defensive lapse from kick-off to steal the ball and slot home the opener, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Altona responded with attacking intent, forcing Andre Russo into a key save in the 12th minute before the Royals’ defence stood firm with a goal-line clearance just three minutes later.
Despite some promising link-up play between Adeyemi and Dean Clarke, new signing Takumi Niwa was unable to capitalise on a golden opportunity in the 19th minute, sending his effort wide.
The Royals’ persistence paid off again in the 41st minute when a perfectly weighted through ball released Clarke down the wing. He drove to the byline and cut the ball back for Adeyemi, who made no mistake from close range to double the lead.
The match took a chaotic turn right before half-time as a heated argument broke out amongst the players following another Royals chance. Cristea pounced on the ball but failed to fully control it, prompting Adeyemi to try his luck at poking the ball home.
The City shot-stopper wasn’t happy with Adeyemi’s response and his retaliation sparked a big confrontation between both sets of players.
The result of the clash saw Cristea shown a straight red, while Adeyemi picked up a yellow card and Royals midfielder Vince Lia was also sent off for his part in the scuffle, leaving both sides with ten men as they headed into the break with the Royals leading 2-0.
The second half saw Mahmut Ali Eyigun introduced to bolster the midfield after Lia’s dismissal, but Altona wasted no time in hitting back.
A 47th-minute penalty, converted by Ben Bowler, cut the deficit to 2-1 and set up a tense finale.
Despite Altona’s fightback, the Royals continued to create chances. Adeyemi had multiple opportunities to secure his hat-trick, but replacement goalkeeper Ben Russell, who stepped in for the dismissed Cristea, made some key saves to keep his side in the match.
Clarke and Marcus Kotronis also had late chances to restore the two-goal cushion, but Altona scrambled clear each time. In the dying moments, Kotronis managed to beat his defender, but his shot lacked the power to trouble Russell, and the Royals were forced to grind out the result.
The final whistle confirmed a well-earned opening-round victory, with Essendon showing both their attacking intent and resilience under pressure to start their campaign on the right note.
FULL-TIME: Essendon Royals 2-1 Altona City