Women’s Match Report: Royals Cruise Past FV Academy with Five-Star Display

Essendon Royals secured their second straight league victory in impressive style, running out comfortable 5-1 winners over FV Academy at the Home of the Matildas on Saturday afternoon.

Despite falling behind early, the Royals responded emphatically, delivering one of their most assured attacking performances of the season.

FV Academy opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, with Kaya Jugovic converting a well-executed short corner routine. However, Essendon quickly settled and were level within seven minutes, courtesy of an own goal by Academy defender Ehva Gutszmit from an Essendon corner.

With parity restored, the Royals began to take control. Ava Groba capitalised on an Academy turnover in midfield, calmly finishing into the roof of the net to put Essendon ahead after 38 minutes. 

Two minutes later, Kendrah Smith extended the Royals’ lead from a corner, heading home to send her side into halftime comfortably up 3-1.

The Royals maintained their dominance after the break. Airi Fujiwara made it 4-1 shortly before the hour, benefiting from another incisive pass from the influential Groba. 

Academy briefly threatened, with Alice Francou firing just wide from outside the area, but Fujiwara put the result beyond doubt with her second of the afternoon in the 70th minute, again set up by Groba’s precise through-ball.

Groba’s standout performance – one goal and two assists – highlighted the Royals’ attacking fluidity, while Fujiwara’s clinical second-half brace further boosted her confidence in front of goal.

The comprehensive result lifts the Royals into sixth place, offering encouraging momentum as they prepare for next week’s challenging clash against high-flying South Melbourne.

With back-to-back wins secured, Vince Battiato’s team will now look to carry their newfound confidence into what promises to be a stern test at Cross Keys Reserve next weekend.