Men’s Match Report: Five-Star Royals Storm to Top Spot with Altona Triumph

Under the lights at HC Kim Reserve, Essendon Royals produced a second-half blitz to overwhelm Altona City 5-2 on Friday night. Trailing 2-1 at halftime, the Royals fired home four unanswered goals after the break to grab all three points—and top spot in the VPL2 standings ahead of next week’s blockbuster with Eltham Redbacks.

The Royals went into the match unchanged, brimming with confidence after last week’s demolition of Boroondara-Carey Eagles, but Altona had other ideas. After just ten minutes, Nicholas Georgopoulos punished some loose marking, sending a well-placed shot into the far corner to open the scoring.

But Essendon responded swiftly. Julian Guzzardi burst into life seven minutes later, accelerating past defenders, skipping around the keeper and calmly slotting home for 1-1.

Yet Altona continued to pose problems, retaking the lead directly from a corner in the 25th minute via former Royal Adam Oddo, who scored an Olimpico and left the the Royals trailing at the interval with plenty of work to do.

The second half saw Royals boss Mick Ferrante tweak things, introducing Marcus Kotronis in place of Maze Ali. The change paid dividends. 

The match turned decisively in Essendon’s favour on 72 minutes when Altona defender Nikola Jurkovic saw red after picking up a second yellow card for dissent.

Seizing their opportunity, the Royals turned up the heat. Kotronis levelled matters in the 79th minute, finishing clinically after sustained pressure from the 

visitors. Just moments later, the Royals had the lead, as Kotronis’s shot spilt into the path of the ever-alert Jordan Adeyemi, who made no mistake from close range.

From there, Essendon ran rampant. Guzzardi, a constant thorn in Altona’s side, notched his second in the 85th minute, finishing confidently to give the Royals breathing space. But he wasn’t done yet – completing his hat-trick with a superb header on 90 minutes to cap off a remarkable late rally.

The 5-2 victory didn’t just secure three valuable points; it catapulted Essendon Royals to the summit of the VPL2 ladder, edging Eltham Redbacks on goal difference ahead of their top-of-the-table clash this Friday.

A stirring comeback, five quality goals, and a statement result. 

Friday night at Altona might just be the moment Royals fans look back on as a turning point in their promotion push.

FULL TIME: Altona City 2 – 5 Essendon Royals