ConnectOS Men’s Match Report: Niwa Stunner Earns Royals Crucial Point Against Redbacks
Cross Keys Reserve on Friday night had the feel of a title bout – two heavyweights circling, trading measured blows, neither willing to risk it all early. When the dust settled after ninety pulsating minutes, Essendon Royals and Eltham Redbacks were left to share the spoils in a gripping 2-2 draw.
The opening exchanges had a cautious feel, both sides well aware of the high stakes. Eltham probed patiently in patches, but the Royals shaded the early proceedings, controlling possession and territory without creating too many clear-cut opportunities.
As halftime approached, Essendon broke the deadlock through an unlikely hero. Phil Riccobene displayed striker’s instincts, reacting sharply inside a crowded box to steer home after the Royals recycled possession from a corner. It was enough to take the Royals into the sheds at 1-0, setting up a tense second half.
The second stanza began similarly tight, but the visitors gradually shifted gears. Eltham’s increasing pressure bore fruit with twenty minutes remaining. Josh Dennett first powered home a header from a corner, before turning provider moments later.
With the Royals’ defence setting up for his trademark long throw, Dennett’s clever, quick throw-in caught the Royals’ defence off-guard. Jay Clarke was on hand in the box, coolly slotting home to hand the Redbacks an unlikely lead.
Essendon were momentarily stunned, but quickly regained composure, searching diligently for the leveller. And when it arrived in the 84th minute, it was a goal worthy of the occasion.
Takumi Niwa, receiving the ball some 25 yards out, casually nutmegged his defender before unleashing a sensational curling strike into the far top corner. Redbacks keeper Abdulkerim Koc, one of the league’s best shot-stoppers, flew athletically across his goal, but couldn’t get near it, such was the quality of the strike.
Both sides pressed late on, but the stalemate held firm. The result means Essendon Royals remain locked at the top of VPL2, equal on points with Eltham and keeping the title race very much alive.
It was perhaps a fair reflection on an evenly-matched contest – two genuine title contenders, trading blows, neither willing to give an inch.
FULL TIME: Essendon Royals 2 – 2 Eltham Redbacks
Goals: Riccobene (42′), Niwa (84′) | Dennett (72′), Clarke (79′)