Women’s Match Report: Royals unravelled by Spring Hills in Local Derby
Essendon Royals endured a tough night at Cross Keys Reserve, falling 3-1 to a sharp Spring Hills FC side in Round 3 of the NPLW Victoria season.
Despite a spirited showing, the Royals were undone by a clinical Spring Hills outfit who claimed their first-ever win in Victoria’s top flight—led by a brace from Olivia Anderson and a composed finish from Aleksandra Sinclair.
The visitors took the lead in the 36th minute. A cross from the right by Emily Gerolemou found Anderson lurking at the near post, and the Spring Hills forward bundled it home ahead of Zara Board in goal.
Essendon looked to regroup at halftime, but Spring Hills came out firing. Just five minutes into the second half, Anderson added her second—this time cutting inside from the right and floating a high shot that looped over Board and into the far corner.
The Royals struggled to stem the flow, and in the 56th minute, they were punished again. Julia Budiongo displayed some neat footwork to beat her marker on the left flank and squared the ball to an unmarked Sinclair, who calmly slotted home to make it 3-0.
Rebekah Van Dort was shown a yellow card in the 62nd minute for a foul on Gerolemou, adding further frustration for the Royals as they tried to regain control.
To their credit, Essendon never stopped pushing. In stoppage time, Kendrah Smith swung a dangerous free kick into the box, causing chaos for Spring Hills keeper Jenna Ibrahim. Substitute Emma Langley reacted quickest, bundling the ball over the line to give the Royals a late consolation goal.
It was a night where the Royals struggled to find rhythm in attack and were punished for lapses at the back. With one win, one draw and one loss from their opening three fixtures, Vince Battiato’s side will now look to reset and bounce back with renewed intent in Round 4.
Essendon will finally return to Cross Keys Reserve in Round 5, where they will take on Preston Lions in what promises to be an amazing spectacle, as part of a Homecoming Doubleheader.