CSF Match Preview: Essendon Royals take on Yarraville at Cross Keys Reserve
Essendon Royals will be looking to take cup form into State League 1 when they welcome Yarraville Glory FC to Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday night.
The Royals bounced back from a 2-1 defeat at Caroline Springs George Cross last Saturday with a hugely impressive 2-0 win over NPL2 side Moreland Zebras on Tuesday night.
With the rate of goals conceded over the last year or so a genuine concern for the Royals, a clean sheet against Moreland will have provided a massive boost for coaches Mick Ferrante and Davey Van’t Schip – who took the night off playing duties on Tuesday.
There were a number of changes on Tuesday night, not only in personnel but also in structure, which will have given Ferrante and Van’t Schip plenty to think about ahead of Saturday’s contest against Yarraville.
The defensive unit of Will Abbott, Greg Lombardo, Kristian Konstantinidis and Jack Warrick was incredibly solid against Moreland and may be favoured once again.
Ryan McEvoy revelled in a midfield role, whilst Ziyad El-Tahir’s constant running and pressing made him a constant thorn in the side of the Moreland defence.
Luca Santilli’s return from injury was another bonus for the Royals on Tuesday night, leaving Ferrante and Van’t Schip with a number of decisions to make.
Yarraville, on the other hand, has had a mixed start to the season.
Much like the Royals, the Glory took an impressive scalp in the Australia Cup, knocking off NPL2 side Northcote City.
In the league, Yarraville has also lost to George Cross, although they did stick with them for the majority of the game before succumbing to the pressure late on and losing 5-1.
A 2-2 draw with Corio SC at McIvor Reserve last weekend means Saturday’s visitors arrive at Cross Keys with just the one point from their first two games.
Lewis Shannon scored the two goals for the Glory last week.
Despite the fact that Yarraville is yet to win a game in the league this season, the Royals will know not to take Yarraville lightly.
In their only contest against one another last season, the Glory ran out winners at McIvor Reserve, when a spectacular halfway goal from Habib Fleifel sealed a 2-1 win for the home side and ruined the Royals trip to Yarraville after Van’t Schip had put the Royals 1-0 up in the first half.
Despite being so early in the season, the Royals will know winning these games at home will play a crucial role in achieving the club’s hopes for promotion.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Reserves will be looking to maintain their undefeated start to the season.
Having won their opening-day encounter against Banyule and drawn against George Cross last week, the Royals are three points clear of Saturday’s opponents, who have drawn and lost their first two games respectively.
Glory’s point did come from a draw against George Cross, however.
The Royals sit two points off league leaders Sydenham Park and Altona City who have both won their opening two games.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West | Round Three
Essendon Royals v Yarraville Glory
Saturday 2 April
Cross Keys Reserve, Woodland St
Reserves: 5 PM | Seniors: 7 PM
Around the Grounds
Elsewhere in State League 1 North-West, league leaders welcome FC Strathmore to City Vista Pavilion.
The match sees Brendon Santalab return to his former employers where he will be hopeful of picking up his first points as Strathmore coach.
Brimbank Stallions – who will be buzzing off of defeating top-tier Eastern Lions in the Australia Cup in midweek, further demonstrating the quality within State League 1 – will take on Keilor Park SC at Club Italia.
Altona City, level on four points with the Stallions and sharing second place, welcome Whittlesea United, whilst FC Clifton Hill travel to Corio SC.
In the other game of the round, Banyule City will welcome Sydenham Park to Yallambie Park Reserve.