Men’s Match Report: Royals Suffer Heavy Blow Against Ruthless Springvale
Four weeks ago, the Essendon Royals were at the summit of the VPL 2 Men’s competition, as the league hit the half-way mark.
Four weeks later, they are battling for their spot in the play-offs.
Such is life in the ruthless Victorian Premier League.
Essendon Royals endured another punishing Saturday evening at Cross Keys Reserve, falling to a clinical Springvale White Eagles side 3-0.
With senior coaches Mick Ferrante and Davey Van’t Schip returning to the touchline, hopes were high for a response after last week’s painful loss to Pascoe Vale. Instead, the Royals found themselves caught in another storm, unable to contain the well-drilled visitors who produced a commanding performance built on defensive solidity and sharp counter-attacks.
The injection of Dean Clarke back into the starting lineup following several weeks out with injury provided the Royals more of a focal point going forward in the early exchanges.
Whilst it was by no means a dominating start ot the game, the Royals had the better of the opening exchanges, but just simply failed to recover once the visitors claimed the lead.
Veteran Goran Zoric’s clever movement and precise delivery from set-pieces continually troubled Essendon’s makeshift backline, and Royals goalkeeper Andre Russo was called into early action more than once to deny the visitors.
The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute, a Zoric free-kick blocked by the defensive wall fell perfectly for Samuel Orritt, whose clinical volley flew past Russo.
It was 2-0 moments later when a White Eagles corner was allowed to float over the goal by Russo, with the Royals defence failing to win the ball at the back post and not reacting quickly enough to the second ball in the six-yard box, allowing for the simplest of finishes.
Essendon emerged after the break hoping for a quick revival, but whilst they created their best opportunity of the game shortly after the break they could only bundle the ball over from close range.
The game’s third and final goal probably best summed up the occasion and the better part of the last month for the Royals.
The youthful exuberance of Marcus Kotronis, freshly injected into the game, started to cause the White Eagles defence problems, with the Royals junior breaking through on goal. His final touch was slightly heavy, allowing the White Eagles to recover possession and launch a counter attack.
Within 45 seconds, they had the ball at the other end and had won a penalty, with Rashid Hayek fouling on the edge of the box.
The visitors made no mistake from the spot.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive defeat for Essendon, whose promotion ambitions have taken another substantial blow.
FULL TIME: Essendon Royals 0 – 3 Springvale White Eagles