CSF Match Preview: Essendon Royals travel to Caroline Springs George Cross for crucial early-season contest
Essendon Royals will return to the scene of their Round 3 Australia Cup triumph when they take on Caroline Springs George Cross in a crucial State League 1 Men’s North-West clash.
With both sides starting the league campaign with big wins, these two league heavyweights will be out to put an early mark on the race to promotion to the Victorian National Premier Leagues.
The Royals overcame a tricky start against Banyule City before a clinical second-half earned a 4-2 win, courtesy of goals from Graham Kelly, Davey Van’t Schip, Will Abbott and James Brown.
It was a somewhat similar story for the Georgies, who went into half-time level at 1-1 with Yarraville Glory at McIvor Reserve, as a big second-half push saw them run out 5-1 winners.
Jason Hart, who scored George Cross’ solitary goal against the Royals last time out, was joined on the scoresheet by Ryan Newman (2) and substitutes Daniel Kuczynski and Jack Wardle.
Neither side has made a secret of their ambition over recent seasons, and whilst the COVID19 pandemic has heavily disrupted the ability of all clubs to chase those ambitions in recent years, it is hoped that Season 2022 will be able to be completed free of any major disruptions, only adding to the sense of anticipation ahead of this game.
The Royals have already enjoyed a win at Caroline Springs this season, claiming a 2-1 win in the Australia Cup, however with league points on the line this promises to be a different proposition for coaches Mick Ferrante and Davey Van’t Schip.
The Royals will have a strong squad to choose from but will be keen to stamp out the defensive errors that provided cause for concern in Round 1, particularly against a side as clinical as George Cross.
The home side will be under massive expectation to pick up the win, particularly with the Georgies throwing a big season-opening function for their first home game of the season.
George Cross did win the only league contest between the two sides last season, picking up a 2-0 win over the Royals in Round 8 of the cancelled 2021 season.
In the earlier kick-off, the Reserves will be looking to continue their winning start to the season against a side that has traditionally been very strong in the State League 1 Reserve ranks.
Georgies were held to a 2-2 draw by Yarraville last time out, whilst the Royals enjoyed a thrilling 3-2 win over Banyule courtesy of a Joshua Markovski hat-trick.
The Reserves may have to dig deep into the club’s junior ranks, with a number of players involved in the first-team squad during pre-season and Round One, however, the players who have already stepped into the Reserves from the club’s junior ranks have looked right at home playing open-age football, serving as a great example of the club’s ability to push its juniors into the senior set-up.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West | Round Two
Caroline Springs George Cross v Essendon Royals
Saturday 26 March
City Vista Pavilion & Sports Field, 46 City Vista Circuit, Fraser Rise, Plumpton
Reserves: 3 PM | Seniors: 5.30 PM
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Elsewhere in the league, Sydenham Park will be looking to put a horror start to the season behind them when they take on top-of-the-table Whittlesea United at Keilor Lodge Reserve.
The highly-fancied outfit went down 2-0 to Keilor Park in Round One and bowed out of the Australia Cup on Wednesday night losing 3-0 to State League 2 side Upfield Soccer Club, which featured former Royal, Julio Beltran.
Whittlesea sit on top of the table after a resounding 5-0 win over SL1 new-boys FC Strathmore.
Strathmore will hope to bounce back when they travel to Banyule City.
Brimbank Stallions were held to a 0-0 draw against Corio SC last week, and will look to pick up their first win of the season when they welcome Clifton Hill to Club Italia.
Corio travel to Yarraville Glory whilst Keilor Park will host Altona City in the other games of the round.