Luv A Duck Women’s Match Preview: Royals Face Preston in Cross Keys Homecoming
Essendon Royals are set for a blockbuster semi-final rematch with the Preston Lions on Saturday afternoon, as part one of a huge double header with the VPL2 men’s side to celebrate the return to Cross Keys Reserve.
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The Royals women suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday – a disappointing 3-1 loss at home to Spring Hills, with Emma Langley’s spectacular looping finish on the turn proving merely a consolation. The result leaves Essendon in 9th place on a congested NPLW ladder – five teams including the Royals and Preston are locked on four points, trailing 5th-placed Box Hill on goal difference.
Preston, meanwhile, have roared back to form following an unconvincing start. After an opening-day draw at Spring Hills and a meagre defeat away to Alamein, the Lions were second-favourites against reigning Nike FC Cup champions Bulleen, but ran rampant in the second half at the Veneto Club. English forward Valentine Pursey gave Preston the lead with a scrappy opener, before Bulleen was reduced to 10 players in the 65th minute thanks to a horror challenge by Grace Cagnina on Ellie La Monte. The severe collision forced a long stoppage in play, and leaves Preston’s star attacker in doubt for Round 4.
The visitors made the most of their numerical advantage, as youngster Summer Caponecchia netted her first NPLW goal with a fine volley, before captain Georgia Henderson cooly slotted home a one-on-one in stoppage time to wrap up a 3-0 win.
Vince Battiato’s team enjoyed three tough battles against Preston in 2024 after being promoted from VPLW, leaving the head-to-head ledger level. The Royals were victorious in their only meeting at Cross Keys, thanks to a looping Emma Robers header and a long-range volley from TJ Vlajnic. Preston responded with an equally spectacular effort from La Monte, but Essendon held on for a fantastic win.
The reverse fixture at BT Connor Reserve was an equally entertaining affair, as Essendon led twice through a La Monte own goal and an outrageous lob from Ava Groba, but were twice pegged back through headers from Henderson and Haley Johnson.
The two sides met again two weeks later in a semi-final, which proved a much cagier affair. Essendon defended stoutly and largely limited the hosts to attempts from long range, but Johnson muscled her way past Marie Rampal to open the scoring in first-half stoppage time. The visitors threw everything but the kitchen sink at Preston in search of an equaliser, but Dan Foden’s side clung on to advance through to the Grand Final.
Their next meeting on Saturday shapes as an early-season litmus test for both sides, and the latest installment in a healthy rivalry between Battiato and Foden, two of the top coaches in the league.
Kick-off is set for 12:30 PM at Cross Keys Reserve, followed by the VPL2 men at 3:00 PM. Don’t miss a fantastic day of football and a festival atmosphere as the Royals come together as one club!
Under-20s kick-off at 10 AM.