Luv A Duck Women’s Match Preview: In-Form Royals Face Tricky Trip to Bentleigh

Essendon Royals travel to Kingston Heath Soccer Complex this Friday night full of confidence but wary of a Bentleigh Greens side always capable of causing an upset.

The Royals enter this match in stellar form, riding high on a four-game winning streak since their disappointing defeat to Spring Hills in late June. That remarkable run has seen Vince Battiato’s side net an impressive 16 goals, elevating them to third place in the NPLW Victoria standings and firmly into finals contention.

The transformative mid-season arrivals of A-League talents Alana Cerne, Grace Maher, and Deven Jackson have been central to the Royals’ resurgence. Jackson has scored four goals in just six appearances, Maher has chipped in three crucial goals from midfield in four games, and promising young forward Olivia Wood has added another three in her first seven outings. The attacking prowess of the Royals is currently unmatched, and Bentleigh will have their work cut out to contain them.

However, despite Bentleigh’s struggles, currently sitting at the foot of the table with just two wins this season, they’ve historically provided stiff opposition for Essendon. 

The last encounter between these two teams in Round 8 was a hard-fought 3-2 victory for the Royals, with Bentleigh mounting a determined late comeback after Emma Langley and Fujiwara Airi had given Essendon an early lead.

Sidney Allen, who scored in that fixture, leads the Greens with four goals, while Delaney Kenney – also a scorer against the Royals last time out – has three. 

Both players represent Bentleigh’s key threats and will require close attention from the Royals’ defence.

For Essendon, three points in this fixture would significantly solidify their top-four standing and edge them ever closer to finals football. The Royals have demonstrated remarkable improvement and resilience in recent weeks and will be determined to maintain their momentum on Friday night. Kick-off at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex is set for 8:30 PM this Friday, 1 August.