ConnectOS Men’s Match Report: Royals Held to a Draw at Nunawading

Essendon Royals were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against winless Nunawading City in a frustrating night at Mahoneys Reserve.

Despite dominating large periods of the game, the Royals were unable to convert their first-half control into goals, with Graham Kelly’s 77th-minute strike eventually cancelled out by a late equaliser from the hosts.

The first half saw Essendon create the better of the chances, but Nunawading goalkeeper Dennys Martin was in fine form, producing a string of excellent saves. Julian Guzzardi had an early goal ruled out for offside, while Dean Clarke, Brad Norton, and Takumi Niwa all saw goal-bound efforts denied.

After a goalless first half, the game opened up after the break. Nunawading nearly took the lead in the 58th minute, striking the crossbar after a driving run down the left. Moments later, the Royals responded with an attacking spell of their own, as Clarke had a strong effort saved after a well-worked move.

The breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute, when a long-range strike was parried into the path of Kelly, who reacted quickly to tuck home his fifth goal in two games and put Essendon ahead.

The Royals looked set to close out the match until a defensive lapse in the 89th minute allowed Nunawading to snatch an equaliser in scrappy fashion, punishing Essendon for their missed chances.

As the match entered stoppage time, the Royals were forced to play with 10 men after Jack Leech was forced off with an injury, with all substitutes already used. There was a late half-chance for Jordan Adeyemi, but under heavy pressure, he could only fire his effort straight at the keeper.

The draw leaves the Royals with seven points from four matches, while Nunawading claim their first point of the season.

The Royals turn their focus to Round 5 where Pascoe Vale awaits at Hosken Reserve

FULL-TIME: Nunawading City 1-1 Essendon Royals

It was a statement weekend for the Royals’ U23s and U19s, as both teams delivered dominant performances against Nunawading City. The U23s ran riot with a 7-0 victory, while the U19s secured an emphatic 4-0 win, showcasing the depth and emerging talent within the club.

With both squads featuring players as young as 16, these performances serve as a huge confidence boost and highlight the next generation of Royals stepping up in style. A brilliant weekend for the club’s youth ranks, reinforcing the strength of the development pathway at Essendon.