Women’s Match Report: Royals Held by Late Box Hill Fightback

Essendon Royals were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after a spirited Box Hill United comeback denied the home side what looked like a certain three points at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday.

Boosted by mid-season additions Olivia Wood, Alana Cerne, and debutant Deven Jackson, the Royals came into the fixture riding a strong wave of form and optimism. The home side started brightly, weathering an early Box Hill scare when Carina Rossi flashed a shot wide.

The Royals broke through just before the half-hour mark, as the ever-dangerous Fujiwara Airi latched onto a long ball and produced a delicate chip over the advancing keeper to give Essendon the lead. Airi turned provider 11 minutes later, whipping in a corner that new signing Olivia Wood expertly headed home to double the Royals’ advantage.

At halftime, Vince Battiato’s side seemed comfortable with a 2-0 lead, but Box Hill emerged from the break with renewed determination. With just over ten minutes remaining, their persistence finally paid off—Sofia Sakalis finding space in the box and drilling a precise shot into the corner to pull one back.

Box Hill completed their fightback just three minutes from time, when Sienna Techera found herself through on goal and calmly finished past the Royals keeper to level things up at 2-2.

There was almost a cruel twist for Essendon in stoppage time when Sakalis nearly snatched all three points for Box Hill, narrowly placing her effort just wide of the post.

In the end, it was honours even in a pulsating contest that saw the Royals show their attacking quality in the first half but left to rue missed opportunities and lapses in concentration late on.

The Royals will now regroup and look to get back to winning ways next weekend as they aim to consolidate their push toward the NPLW’s top four.