CSF Match Preview: Essendon Royals take on Banyule City under Friday Night Lights
By Jordan Cvitkovic
With Essendon Royals cruising through round 11 with a convincing win over Whittlesea United, Mick Ferrante’s sights will be set on stringing together a streak of wins as the Royals look to close the gap on the league’s high-flyers.
The Royals are certainly in for a test on Friday night, with a very competitive matchup against Banyule City.
The Bulls are currently sitting three points ahead of the Royals in second place, helping to make this a season-defining game for Ferrante’s side.
The three points the Royals took away from their victory versus Whittlesea United leaves the Royals remaining in fifth place, however, they did manage to close the gaps on the team above them, including Banyule who lost to Caroline Springs George Cross.
Brimbank Stallions and Sydenham Park also dropped points.
With round 11 marking the halfway point of the season the pressure to get results is rising right across the competition, from the teams contending for promotion, to the teams battling relegation.
The Royals last faced Banyule City away from home for the opening game of the season where Essendon won 4-2.
The loss has proven one of just two the Bulls have suffered, which is very impressive considering the level of competition there has been in the league this season so far.
Lars Anton Kanninder in undoubtedly the danger man on Friday, having scored nine goals in 11 games, which is enough to make him the second top goal scorer in the competition so far this season.
Despite the challenge ahead, the Royals will hope to thrive on the back of a very comprehensive win last Sunday and will be looking to keep that good form going.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Reserves side will look to maintain their spot at the top of the table and continue the fantastic work they have done of bringing in young players through the squad and giving them opportunities to display their talents.
Banyule City’s reserves are currently bottom of the table with seven points in 10 games so if Mick Giacomi’s side can maintain their great goalscoring form then the reserves could be in for a delightful Friday night under the lights at Cross Keys Reserve.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Men’s State League 1 North-West – Round 12
Essendon Royals SC v Banyule City SC
Friday 3 June
Cross Keys Reserve, Essendon
Reserves 6:30pm
Seniors 8:30pm
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Following the round’s opener at Cross Keys Reserve on Friday night, the rest of the action across the competition will take place on Saturday.
Brimbank Stallions make the trip to Corio SC where they will look to get back to winning ways.
Sydenham Park hosts Keilor Park – a side that has troubled the top sides this season – whilst FC Strathmore is at home to Whittlesea United.
The Saturday evening games see Caroline Springs George Cross take on Yarraville FC, with Altona City hosting FC Clifton Hill