Women’s Match Report: Royals Undone by Clinical Spring Hills

Essendon Royals fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Spring Hills at Springside Recreational Reserve on Friday evening, as a clinical second-half display from the hosts overturned an early Royals lead.

The Royals began brightly, absorbing early pressure and striking first just before the half-hour mark. Olivia Wood showed class in front of goal, cutting inside from the right and curling a well-placed shot into the far bottom corner to put Essendon ahead.

However, the lead didn’t last long. Spring Hills responded swiftly from a corner, with Maja Markovski powering home a header to level the scores heading into the break.

Any hopes of regaining control quickly evaporated for the Royals immediately after half-time. Just seconds into the second half, Mami Ambo capitalised on confusion in the Essendon defence, calmly heading into an empty net after Royals goalkeeper Zara Board was caught out by a long ball forward.

Spring Hills then produced a moment of brilliance to seal the game in the 64th minute. Spotting Board off her line, Julia Budiongo audaciously launched a shot from just inside her own half, sending the ball looping over the goalkeeper and into the net for a spectacular third.

Despite late efforts to claw their way back, including a headed chance easily saved by Spring Hills keeper Jenna Ibrahim, the Royals couldn’t find a way through.

The final whistle marked a frustrating evening for Vince Battiato’s side, who will now need to quickly refocus and rediscover their recent positive form as they look ahead to next week’s fixture.