ConnectOS Men’s Match Report: Kelly’s Quartet Fires Royals to Victory
Graham Kelly produced a masterclass, netting all four goals as Essendon Royals bounced back in emphatic fashion with a dominant 4-1 victory over North Geelong Warriors at JH Allan Reserve.
On a blisteringly hot afternoon, the Royals made an electric start, finding the net inside two minutes. A well-worked team move ended with Kelly lifting a clever lob over the keeper to open the scoring.
The Royals continued to push forward, with Dean Clarke causing problems down the flank and Jordan Adeyemi going close in the 12th minute. The second goal arrived in the 22nd minute, with Kelly finishing off a slick one-two with Adeyemi, showcasing superb link-up play.
An enforced change before halftime saw Sebastian Lo Monaco leave the field injured, with Julian Guzzardi coming on in his place. The substitute made an instant impact, combining well with Marcus Kotronis to carve out a chance, but the North Geelong keeper made a strong save to keep it 2-0 at the break.
The Royals carried their intensity into the second half, and Kelly completed his hat trick in the 55th minute, pouncing on a series of defensive mistakes from the visitors to fire home from distance with the keeper stranded.
North Geelong responded with a rare attacking spell, hitting the post in the 76th minute before eventually pulling a goal back in the 77th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, any hopes of a comeback were swiftly shut down.
In the 89th minute, the Royals sealed the win in style, with William Thomason driving out of defence and releasing Guzzardi, who cut the ball back for Kelly to slot home his fourth goal of the match.
There was late drama in stoppage time, as Marcus Kotronis received a second yellow card following a tangle off the ball, but it did little to dampen an outstanding Royals performance.
The result sees Essendon climb the table, responding in the perfect way after their Round 2 setback, with Kelly’s individual brilliance the standout story of the afternoon.
FULL-TIME: Essendon Royals 4-1 North Geelong Warriors