Women’s Match Report: Royals Cruise to Sixth Straight Win at Cross Keys

Essendon Royals made it six consecutive victories with a commanding 3-0 triumph over FV Academy at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday afternoon, tightening their grip on third place in the NPLW Victoria standings.

The Royals wasted no time asserting themselves, finding the opener inside seven minutes. Olivia Wood’s driving run into the box forced a save from Academy keeper Charlotte Hrehoresin, but Deven Jackson was alive to the rebound, tucking it away for her sixth goal in Royals colours.

The hosts continued to dominate, creating multiple chances through Wood and Emma Langley, but were repeatedly denied by the excellent Hrehoresin, who kept her side in the contest with a string of sharp saves. At halftime, despite the Royals’ pressure, the lead remained 1-0.

After the break, Essendon’s persistence told. Just before the hour mark, Alessia Bresciano split the Academy backline with a perfectly weighted ball, releasing Jackson to calmly slot home her second of the afternoon and double the advantage.

The result was sealed in the 81st minute when the Royals broke forward on the counter. Bresciano once again provided the spark down the right, squaring for Renee Pocock to slide in and score her first NPLW goal – a moment of personal and collective significance as Essendon’s dominance was rewarded.

There were also milestones elsewhere in the squad, with young talents Eliza Vargiu and Katherine Masters both making their NPLW debuts off the bench, adding to the sense of a squad hitting full stride at the right time.

While FV Academy battled bravely, they could find little joy against a Royals side brimming with confidence. 

Zara Board and her defence ensured a clean sheet, while the attack, led by Jackson, Wood, and Langley, kept the visitors pinned back throughout.

The 3-0 win not only extended Essendon’s unbeaten streak to six matches but also underlined their finals credentials, with Battiato’s side now boasting 18 points from the last 18 on offer.

With momentum firmly behind them, the Royals march on, their eyes set firmly on September football.