Men’s Match Report: Royals Rocked as Pascoe Vale Storm Cross Keys
When it rains, it pours. And at Cross Keys Reserve on Friday night, Essendon Royals found themselves caught in a downpour – of goals, frustration, and harsh footballing lessons – suffering a painful 4-1 derby defeat to a ruthless Pascoe Vale FC.
Already reeling from a difficult stretch, the Royals entered the contest without key personnel and crucially, without their senior coaching duo Mick Ferrante and Davey Van’t Schip – both confined to the stands serving touchline bans. Their absence was evident as Pascoe Vale seized the initiative from the opening exchanges.
Yet, it was the Royals who struck first. Marcus Kotronis earned Essendon a penalty midway through the first half, drawing a clumsy challenge from Pascoe Vale’s Lewis Coull. Jordan Adeyemi saw his initial spot-kick saved brilliantly by Jakeb Wiseman, but the Royals forward reacted quickest, slamming home the rebound to give his side a 35th-minute lead.
It was a momentary bright spot in a night otherwise filled with frustration. Adeyemi should have doubled the lead moments later, but dragged his effort wide after breaking clear.
Then came a five-minute spell of chaos right before halftime. Pascoe Vale’s Tom Barforosh was fouled in the Royals’ box and converted the resulting penalty himself to level the scores. Incredibly, deep into stoppage time, Pascoe Vale were awarded another spot-kick. Barforosh once again stepped up confidently, sending Andre Russo the wrong way, and suddenly Pascoe Vale were leading 2-1 at the break.
In the second half, things unravelled further for Essendon. Barforosh completed his hat-trick with a towering header ten minutes after the restart, silencing Cross Keys and putting Pascoe Vale comfortably ahead.
The visitors added insult to injury through substitute Felix Ruiz, who calmly slotted home a low cross to make it 4-1 and seal the match. Royals continued to fight but were thwarted by Wiseman, who produced a remarkable close-range save in the dying minutes.
As the final whistle blew, the reality was stark. Just weeks ago, Essendon occupied top spot, but now, after three consecutive setbacks, they find themselves stranded and searching for answers in the playoff zone.
With key players set to return and the coaching staff back in action, the Royals’ road to redemption begins next week. Tonight was a heavy blow – but this team has shown resilience before, and the true test of character now lies ahead.
FULL TIME: Essendon Royals 1 – 4 Pascoe Vale FC
Goals: Adeyemi (35’) | Barforosh (44’ pen, 45+2’ pen, 55’), Ruiz (78’)